President Ma Ying-jeou on the afternoon of August 14 attended a food carnival at the Yimin Temple (The Temple of the Yimin Militiamen) in Kaohsiung City. The president and Legislator Hou Tsai-feng (侯彩鳳), who acted as head chefs during the event, presented awards to the top 10 vendors taking part in the festival.
President Ma received an enthusiastic welcome from the crowd upon arriving in the area. Together with members of the public, the president walked through the streets of the Sanmin District, hoping to generate more business for stores and bring back prosperity to the area. The president's visit to the area created a sense of excitement and warmth.
In remarks to the crowd, the president stated that the spirits of the departed Yimin militiamen are a central element of the religious beliefs of the Hakka people, for they were loyal and devoted defenders of the nation, and represent the Hakka spirit. President Ma added that he is of Hakka ancestry and that since taking office in May 2008 he has made every effort to promote policies in the interest of the Hakka people. One of these measures has been the enactment of the Hakka Basic Act, which is the first basic law in the history of the ROC directed at a specific group of people. Meanwhile, the goal to double budgetary appropriations for Hakka-related affairs was achieved within three years and ahead of schedule. Also, the "Hakka Affairs Administration" category was added to the 2010 civil service examination, he pointed out, which is the first time for this in the 100 years of the ROC. In addition, the president noted that radio stations throughout Taiwan presently provide nine hours of Hakka programming daily and that it is expected that this will increase to 11 hours daily starting next year.
President Ma stated that developing Hakka culture and preserving the Hakka language are important policies of the government. Cultural diversity is an important aspect of Taiwan, he said, adding that as a society of immigrants, Taiwan must exhibit a tolerant and entreprising spirit. This is the foundation that will enable Taiwan to survive and grow, he explained. President Ma emphasized that Taiwan is the home for all its residents, regardless of whether they are Hoklo, Hakka, or post-war immigrants from mainland China. In the future, everyone needs to work together to promote the interests of Taiwan, he said, also commenting that if we all move forward hand in hand, Taiwan will certainly come out the winner.
Sunday happened to be the annual Ghost Festival. In the evening, the president made a special trip to Hengchun Township in Pingtung County to preside over ceremonies marking the start of the pole climbing event and the erecting of a pole tower with the offerings that had been laid out for the spirits. Besides handing out candy to the public and praying for peace, the president also lit auspicious firecrackers and urged on the contestants taking part in the pole climbing contest.
President Ma explained that the pole climbing custom has been passed down over hundreds of years in Hengchun. The custom originated during times when wealthier families in the area would donate the food that had been used as Ghost Festival spirit offerings on the 15th of the seventh lunar month to impoverished families. Brawls would break out as people fought over the donations, and therefore it was decided that a pole climbing competition would be held. The donations were placed atop a pole tower, and whoever won the pole climbing contest would get the donations. The custom has continued to this day and turned into an international competition. President Ma said that the event carries historical and educational significance, adding that it is clear that society has progressed over time as peaceful means have been worked out to resolve disputes.
Lastly, the president praised the efforts made by the Hengchun Township government in organizing this international event. President Ma also welcomed tourists from all over the world to take advantage of this opportunity to experience an important folk activity in Taiwan and jointly pray for Taiwan.