Defense chief to probe distribution of U.N. flyers

When grilled by lawmakers on the issue, Lee said he was not aware of the affair. He also clarified that he never given any such instructions, but promised launch a probe.

Opposition lawmakers pointed out that the nation’s Referendum Law prohibits any involvement of government employees in the executive branch to use public funds or get involved in a referendum issue. Violators face jail terms range from six months to three years.

They said MP members, who were assigned to the rally to help maintain security and order, were found to have distributed the flyers promoting Taiwan’s joining the United Nations launched by President Chen Shui-bian to participants at the large-scale gathering.

The move not only violated regulations of the Referendum Law but also broke the strict rules set by Legislative Yuan Speaker Wang Jin-pyng, host of the Double Ten celebration ceremony, that ban participants from carrying, among other things, umbrellas, or placards, flyers, banners, balloons, and large backpacks.

It is ludicrous for MPs sent to enforce these rules when they are violating the regulations themselves, they said.

Minister Lee said it was wrong for MPs to distribute political flyers and proper penalties will be meted out.

Kao Yao-bing, chief of staff at the Military Police Command, said Colonel Liu Tsung-ming at the Military Police School, will be punished with a demerit for his negligence.

Col. Liu was assigned to lead the MP force to help civilian police maintain order but failed to prevent his men from breaking the rules, Kao said.

Legislator Chang Sian-yao of the opposition People First Party said he already talked with Liu over the phone and Liu told him that the political flyers were given by a Lt. Col. surnamed Tang probably representing the Presidential Office and the Ministry of Education.

Chang questioned how a lower-ranked lieutenant colonel could issue orders to a full colonel unless he claims an authority empowered by special instructions from higher-ups.

He and several lawmakers of the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) charged that the Ministry of National Defense (MND) attempts to make Col. Liu the fall guy for others who broke the law.

An embarrassed Minister Lee admitted the military made a mistake and decided to set up a task force to conduct a full investigation.

The lawmakers also blasted the MND for turning the nation’s armed forces into clowns in variety shows.

They all boycotted the mass rally after President Chen rejected Legislative Yuan Speaker Wang’s request remove his banner with giant characters saying “Taiwan for U.N.” on the tower building of the Presidential Office for one day.

Wang wanted the space for the traditional banner saying “Celebrating the Republic of China National Day” for the nation’s birthday.

The lawmakers said it was an insult to the members of the armed forces who gave their salutes while no one saluted back to them for acknowledgment, they said.

President Chen and Wang remained in their chairs while the troops and offices of armed vehicles make salutes when parading past the grand reviewing stand.

Minister Lee said according to the instructions he received the whole affair was a military performance but not a full-fledged military review.

This is why there was no reviewing officer to respond to the troops’ salutes, he explained.

But the president had either waved his hands or applauded as acknowledgment, Lee added.

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