Taiwan people should take to streets and protest against Ma's new government interfering editorial independence.

Why did Taiwanese vote such evil person? Why can Taiwanese bear to be governed by KMT? Taiwanese, have you thought about those questions before you voted?

Why can Taiwanese still bear to be governed by KMT?

Statement by the ROC Government Information Office to the International Federation of Journalists October 11, 2008 On October 9, the IFJ issued a press release claiming that Taiwan’s government has been interfering with media operations. The Government Information Office of the Republic of China (Taiwan) protests against this claim and herewith provides a statement as follows: First of all, the IFJ’s claim, based on false stories by reporters whose interests are at stake in the issues concerned, is groundless and misleading. The Central News Agency (CNA) is a state news agency. Its chairman and board directors are appointed by the Executive Yuan in accordance with CNA’s establishment statute. Other than that, CNA personnel decisions, including the appointment of CNA’s president and vice president, are of no concern to the GIO. The GIO plays no part in the daily operations of CNA, including its editorial policy-making processes. Radio Taiwan International (RTI) is a radio service that is, likewise, funded by the government. The mission of RTI, stated by law, is to conduct international broadcasting to mainland China and other parts of the world. Its function is similar to that of VOA. Like other state-funded agencies, RTI’s board directors are appointed by the GIO according to the law, and its chairman is elected by the board of directors. The rest of managerial-level appointments, including the general manager, are subject to the board’s approval. After President Ma Ying-jeou took office on May 20, former RTI Chairman Cheng Yu expressed his intention to resign. He then submitted his official resignation in a board meeting on October 1. The GIO had received no prior notification of the resignations of RTI station general manager Shao Li-chung and other board members announced in the meeting. The GIO would like to clarify once again that it has never asked RTI “not to broadcast reports that were too critical of China.” The GIO plays no part in RTI’s daily operations and editorial decisions. RTI frequently conducts listener surveys, and the GIO refers to RTI all feedback the GIO receives on RTI programs. This should not be interpreted as interfering in the editorial policy of RTI. The Republic of China accomplished its second change of government in March this year, demonstrating that Taiwan’s democracy is now fully mature. Our political rights and civil liberties have won acclaim from such esteemed organizations as New York-based Freedom House, Paris-based Reporters Without Borders, and, of course, the IFJ. Taiwan has become a role model of democratic development in Asia—an accomplishment recognized and praised by Chinese peoples the world over. Both Taiwan’s ruling and opposition parties cherish the freedom our people enjoy. The ROC government is fully aware of the key role that freedom of the press has played in the consolidation of our democracy. Our government has absolutely no intention of controlling or interfering in the activities of the media. The GIO would like to express its appreciation to the IFJ for its long-term concern and support for Taiwan’s democratic progress, as well as its protection of freedom of the press. However, IFJ’s recent accusations of interference in Taiwan’s media on the part of the ROC government are unfounded. Please contact either of the following persons if you have any questions regarding this statement: 1.Mr. Jerry Chuang, Director, Information Division, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Australia Mobile: 61-407-955-685 Email: jerrychuang@bigpond.com 2.Mr. Manfred Peng, Director of International Information Department, Government Information Office, ROC (Taiwan) Mobile: 886-912-288-705 Email: ptpeng@mail.gio.gov.tw

IFJ please show your support for Taiwan by taking action against Ma's administration, and show your support by sending representatives to the Anti-China and Anti-Dictatorship Rally in Taipei on 2/11/08. This is very important as the opposition party has no power as it only has less than a quarter of representatives in the congress and Ma is ignoring the public demand for change. Cheers.

RTI is a government owned propaganda and PR machine. Some of the current chairman and DJ of Radio Taiwan International were appointed by the last administration. the facts presented by RTI chief and "anonymous source" truth? yes, but its tainted. It just two political party's spin doctors slinging mud at each other. Now DPP's O'Reilly-ian papa bears are hurt they come to IFJ to cry foul.