TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Kuomintang (KMT) criticized the Coast Guard Administration (CGA) on Monday (March 4) for unilaterally altering the name of a report on a speedboat incident that resulted in the death of two Chinese fishermen. The KMT called it an act of arrogance and disrespect toward parliamentary oversight.
On Monday, the Legislative Yuan invited the Ocean Affairs Council and other departments to present a special report on "The Kinmen Boat Collision: Enforcement Process and Subsequent Treatment."
Earlier that day, the CGA issued a statement, insisting its actions were justified. The CGA said it had renamed the report to "Crackdown on a Chinese Speedboat Incident" to reflect the essence of the enforcement case and uphold the core value of lawful administration.
The KMT pointed out this was the first time an administrative department changed the report's title without authorization. They called it an arrogant move and a clear disregard for legislative authority.
The KMT has raised concerns about the inadequate equipment and recording devices provided to frontline enforcement officers under the incumbent Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government, attributing current issues to these deficiencies.
In a further criticism, the KMT accused the DPP -- in office for eight years -- of failing to provide basic gear for coast guard personnel and of shifting blame in emergencies.