Post date: Jan 13, 2013 12:37:12 PM
China-friendly Taiwan president Ma feels heat of media freedom protests after moving to allow the sale of nearly half the island's print and TV operations to pro-China businessmen.
TAIPEI, TAIWAN (JANUARY 13, 2013) (REUTERS) - Thousands of people gathered on the streets of Taipei on Sunday (January 13) to protest against Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou following a government decision to block an anti-media monopoly bill.
On Friday (January 11) Taiwan's ruling Nationalist Party (KMT) blocked an anti-media monopoly bill that could have derailed a deal to put nearly half of the island's print and television operations in the hands of a group of pro-China businessmen.The "Fury Mass Rally" organised by the major opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is the first major protest against Taiwan's leader since he was re-elected last year.
The anti-government demonstrators also called on the government to reject the sale of local media to conglomerate Next Media.
Next Media Ltd, owned by Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai, in November signed a deal with five Taiwan tycoons to sell its Taiwan print and TV assets for T$17.5 billion (601 USD), sparking fears that the agreement with pro-China business forces could spell trouble for press freedom on the island.
"The government lowers our salaries and we cannot have a good life. Ma handles the government incompetently, taking a weak attitude towards China. I hope (President) Maquits," said 18 year-old student Chang Yu-wei, who attended the demonstrations.
Citizens in recent months have already displayed dissatisfaction with a number of President Ma's policies, but Ma's blocking of the anti-media monopoly bill seemed to be the last spark igniting the "Fury Mass Rally."
"Ma is an incompetent leader, and cannot make any improvements to the economy. The cabinet is also terrible, and they cannot feel what the people feel. That is why we need to protest against President Ma. He is quite useless and unable to listen to the people's voices. We are angry and need to oppose him," said Lee Wen-Yin, who protested at the rally.
Scores of demonstrations have erupted with protesters voicing concern over the proposed Next Media deal on fears of growing Chinese influence in Taiwan's media.
Cross-strait ties has significantly improved since the Nationalist Party's Ma Ying-jeoutook office in 2008, and the two nations has signed a series of trade agreements.
China has claimed sovereignty over Taiwan since 1949, when Mao Zedong's forces won the Chinese civil war and Chiang Kai-shek's KMT fled to the island. Beijing has vowed to bring Taiwan under its rule eventually, and by force if necessary.