New Taipei mayoral candidate Lee Chuan-hsiung proposes six policies for Hakka community

Lee Chuan-hsiung, the Kuomintang's candidate for New Taipei mayor, has unveiled six policy proposals specifically aimed at the city's Hakka community, which numbers approximately 670,000 residents. Lee presented these pledges during a meeting with the New Taipei City Hakka Care Association, emphasizing his commitment to preserving and promoting Hakka culture.

Among the key proposals is a significant increase in subsidies for Hakka associations, with a cap of NT$100,000 per class. Lee also plans to enhance the salary environment for Hakka language teachers to encourage more individuals to participate in language preservation efforts. Educational reforms include raising the daily pay for teachers across elementary, junior high, and senior high schools. Furthermore, he pledged to continue promoting the "Hakka Hall" policy initiated by current Mayor Hou Yu-ih, aiming to establish 15 such halls within 12 years.

Lee intends to transform the New Taipei Hakka Cultural Park into an industrial complex, expanding its function beyond a museum to become a tourist attraction. He also plans to broaden the scope of important Hakka festivals, such as the "Tianchuan Day" and "Yi Min Festival," ensuring that "Hakka activities are present in every district." This initiative aims to make these cultural celebrations more accessible and visible throughout the city.

Drawing a parallel between his engineering background and the Hakka spirit, Lee described himself as someone who tackles difficult and challenging tasks head-on. He recounted his experience improving the notoriously poor road conditions on Kaohsiung's Coastal Road, acknowledging the initial public outcry due to construction-related traffic jams but asserting the long-term benefits of the project. Lee stated that the road remains in good condition years after his departure, a testament to his commitment to durable solutions.