HSINCHU (TVBS News) — Taiwan's former Minister for Health Yang Chih-liang, defiantly rejected demands for an apology on Monday (Aug. 28) for his controversial remarks made at a rally for business magnate Terry Gou a day earlier regarding domestic violence.
Yang was invited by Gou to attend a rally in Hsinchu City a day prior, in which he controversially attributed the rising incidents of domestic abuse and suicide in Taiwan to public frustration with President Tsai Ing-wen and Premier Chen Chien-jen.
Challenged by the press, Yang responded with indignation, "Why should I apologize? Isn't Taiwan a democratic and free country? Have the guts to arrest me!"
Furthermore, he furiously defended his straightforwardness, saying, "What is wrong with speaking the truth?"
In his remark, Yang argued that the inability of locals to "take their anger out on" Tsai and Chen had led them to oppress the weaker members of the society, specifically women and children.
Claiming the government had plunged Taiwan into chaos and led to widespread depression, Yang highlighted that the younger generation often resorts to self-harm or suicide due to petty issues or minor stressors.
In response, Chen condemned Yang for encouraging violence and expressed disappointment, while the Presidential Office also demanded an apology from Yang to the public.
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For those in need, call 1925 or 1995 (suicide prevention hotlines) or 110 (children and women protection emergency hotline) to seek counseling or further assistance.