TAIPEI (TVBS News) — In a gesture of goodwill following the Jan. 13 elections, former President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) ensured the personal safety of her predecessor, Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九), by instructing the National Police Agency to proactively offer him a security detail of at least eight officers, according to Hsiao Hsu-tsen (蕭旭岑), director of Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation Director.
This move, however, was overshadowed by unprecedented attacks from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) after Ma's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平), leading to a halt in previously shown goodwill, Hsiao told local media on Monday (May 27).
Hsiao criticized the DPP's aggressive stance towards Ma, highlighting the responsibility of Taiwanese society to ensure the safety of former presidents, regardless of political differences.
He called for restraint from political factions and urged President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) to curb extremist elements within his party that might encourage attacks on Ma. Hsiao expressed concern that the current anti-China sentiment could label individuals advocating for cross-strait exchanges, including Ma for his meeting with Xi, as sympathizers of the Chinese Communist Party, making them targets of political attacks.
The foundation director's statements underscore the delicate balance between political rivalry and respect for former national leaders' safety and dignity.
As Taiwan navigates its complex relationship with China, Hsiao's call for unity and restraint serves as a reminder of the broader responsibility towards maintaining a respectful and secure political environment. The ongoing debate over cross-strait relations continues to test the island's political maturity and its leaders' ability to rise above partisan conflicts.