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KMT will not oppose corporal punishment referendum, decides 'people will decide'

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Taiwan's Kuomintang (KMT) party will not propose a referendum on opposing corporal punishment but will respect party members' efforts to initiate one.
  • The party will propose its own version of a nuclear energy referendum, emphasizing energy security and stability.
  • The KMT aims for three referendums focusing on energy security, judicial justice, and victim protection, urging the ruling Democratic Progressive Party to respect citizens' right to participate in public affairs.

Taiwan's Kuomintang (KMT) party has decided not to formally propose a referendum against corporal punishment, stating it will allow the public to decide on the matter. This decision follows discussions between party leadership and legislative caucus members.

As long as it concerns national development, people's welfare, and social security, all important issues should be decided by the entire population through direct democracy in accordance with the spirit of the referendum law. This is the most important core value of the democratic system.

— Chen Hsin, KMT Culture and Communications Committee ChairmanExplaining the KMT's stance on referendums and the importance of public decision-making.

However, the KMT announced it will introduce its own referendum proposal concerning nuclear energy. This move is framed as a response to the need for energy security and stable power supply amidst industrial development and future energy demands. The party advocates for a pragmatic energy policy that includes nuclear power, aligning with its long-standing "nuclear-to-raise-green" approach.

Party officials indicated that the KMT, in coordination with its legislative caucus, aims to collectively support three key referendums. These would cover energy security, judicial justice, and the protection of victims. The party views these as crucial public policy issues that are of high concern to society and impact the welfare of all citizens.

Although it will not be proposed in the form of a party version, it respects the party members' initiative to propose the referendum, and it will be decided by the people.

— Chen Hsin, KMT Culture and Communications Committee ChairmanRegarding the referendum on corporal punishment, indicating the party's indirect support.

The KMT is urging the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to cease its opposition and respect the public's right to participate in governance. The party believes that allowing these referendums to proceed to a public vote will allow direct public opinion to shape national policy, reinforcing the core values of democracy.

The KMT party and the legislative caucus are in step, and they want to jointly respond to the people's expectations and demonstrate the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan.

— Chen Hsin, KMT Culture and Communications Committee ChairmanEmphasizing the party's alignment with public sentiment and its commitment to addressing popular concerns.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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