President Lee Teng-hui convened and presided over a top-level meeting on public security today. A recent spate of high-profile crimes have shocked the nation and generated public safety concerns, the President said during the meeting. "In my capacity as head of state, I am truly grieved by this and wish to offer my fellow countrymen my deepest apology."
The President said that as a responsible government, we must shoulder full responsibility. He also stressed law enforcement agencies, i.e., the prosecutors, the police, the intelligence service, and the Bureau of Investigation must coordinate and cooperate closely with one another in securing public order and cracking down on crimes, so as to restore peace to society and the public.
The meeting took place at 9:30 this morning. Attendees at this meeting included: Vice President and Premier Lien Chan, Legislative Yuan President Liu Sung-pan, Judicial Yuan President Shih Chi-yang, Examination Yuan President Hsu Shui-teh, Control Yuan President Wang Tso-yung, Secretary-General to the President Huang Kun-huei, National Security Council Secretary-General Ding Mou-shih, Interior Minister Lin Fong-cheng, National Defense Minister Chiang Chung-ling, Justice Minister Liao Cheng-hao, Executive Yuan Secretary-General Chao Shou-po, National Security Bureau Director-General Yin Chung-wen, Vice-Chief of General Staff Tan Fei, Deputy Director-General Lee Tawei of Government Information Office, Bureau of Investigation Director-General Wang Rong-jou, Commander Lee Chien-chung of the Coast Guard Command, Commander Wang Yi-tien of the Military Police Command, and Director-General Yao Kao-chiao of the National Police Administration.
After briefings by the attending officials, the President instructed them to uncover or identify the core of the recent crimes and implement effective countermeasures, in order to satisfy the demands of society and all the citizens.
President Lee strongly demanded the heads of the prosecutorial, police, and other law enforcement agencies to direct their subordinates to apprehend the criminals and solve the cases in the shortest possible time. He also instructed Vice President and Premier Lien Chan to order the prosecutor-general to coordinate the efforts of the prosecution, the investigation, the police and the military police (in its capacity as judicial police) in cracking down on serious crimes and apprehending the criminals.
During their briefings to the President, top officials related to police administration held themselves responsible for the serious crimes, which gravely distressed the nation, society and the public, by requesting punishment for themselves. In response, President Lee said: "In the face of such grave crimes, I fully understand the public's demand for cracking down on these cases, and agree that related officials should take responsibility. The government will properly address this assessment of responsibility issue soon . But first and foremost, I demand that each one here does everything in his power to crack down on these crimes. By so doing, not only will we be responsible to society and the public, but to ourselves as well."
President Lee pointed out that the police nationwide have made tremendous sacrifices and have proved their devotion to maintaining public security by working easelessly on the cases. "Everybody has witnessed their endeavors and hardships, and so have I," he said.
The President said: "I hope that at this moment we concentrate all our efforts on bringing the criminals to justice, and that our people can be more understanding and patient toward the government and the police and give us more time to do our job. I assure the people of our determination to solve the cases. Then afterwards, the government can examine and revamp our public order agencies."
Judging from a number of recent criminal cases, the President said, most of these crimes involve sinister designs and high technology. In pursuit of both temporary and permanent solutions, the related government agencies should forge countermeasures to cope with these crimes, he added.
The increase in the trafficking of firearms and drugs, as well as illegal immigration and emigration have jeopardized public order. Therefore, the President instructed the coast guard and the military police to beef up the security along the coast and to join forces with the police in preventing and eradicating illegalities.
During the meeting, President Lee asked the Executive Yuan to review and revise the laws regarding public security. Moreover, he called for the Legislative Yuan's support and cooperation in expediting the necessary legislative procedures so as to strengthen law enforcement.
Meanwhile, the President agreed with the proposal by senior officials related to police administration that in order to combat and prevent crimes more effectively, the government needs to review its criminal detection facilities, upgrade equipment and enhance the quality of detective personnel.
He also ordered the Presidential Office's National Development Advisory Conference to establish a public security committee, to be convened in the nearest future, with the mandate to reassess the current public order and propose effective countermeasures.
In conclusion, President Lee reiterated that as a responsible government, we must not evade any problems or dodge any responsibility. "The people expect and demand that the government settle and solve their problems, especially those concerning their livelihood, property and safety," he said. "We must embrace this responsibility."
The President stressed, "It is my belief that taking responsibility is the least that the government can do." Regarding the people's discontent with and condemnation of the mistakes of the government, he said, "We should accept it with an open mind and undergo self-examination, but we also have to make known our efforts and achievements so that the people are aware of what we have done."
After all, President Lee indicated, this society belongs to everyone in the country, not to any single political party, group, or minority. He said: "I sincerely hope that our countrymen, when criticizing and questioning the government, will nevertheless give their confirmation and support to the government agencies and officials that are responsible. We all look forward to a stable society and a better, safer and more harmonious tomorrow; nevertheless, that requires the concerted efforts of all of us."