[3102] PCT evaluates presidential candidates’ platforms and responses to indigenous self-rule

PCT evaluates presidential candidates’ platforms and responses to indigenous self-rule

Reported by Chiou Kuo-rong

Written by Lydia Ma

August 1, the day set aside to commemorate the history of indigenous Taiwanese, was used by DPP and KMT presidential candidates to offer and clarify their views and policies regarding autonomy, or self-rule, for indigenous peoples. Both Tsai Ing-wen from the DPP and President Ma Ying-jeou from the KMT used the R.O.C. Constitution as their source of reference and point of departure, but came to vastly different conclusions.

“Ma’s initiatives and ideas contradict one another. Though Tsai’s proposals are good, she failed to offer specifics,” said Omi Wilang, Secretary of PCT Indigenous Ministry Committee and Secretary-General of Indigenous Peoples Action Coalition of Taiwan (IPACT).

Rev. Omi Wilang was referring to Ma’s proposal that Taiwan first initiate a trial autonomous zone instead of implementing a comprehensive and nationwide policy for indigenous Taiwanese that’d give them self-rule. He further pointed out that Ma’s proposals on that day contradicted with previous proposals put forth by the Executive Yuan – Ma’s administration – in recent months.

Omi Wilang’s critique of DPP presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen was that though her critique of Ma’s proposals failing to bring about autonomy for Taiwanese indigenous was valid, she also failed to come up a better alternative that would reflect R.O.C. Constitution, the Aboriginal Basic Act, and all the rights accorded to indigenous peoples outlined by the UN.