President Ma Ying-jeou paid his respects on July 20 at a memorial for army corporal Hong Zhongqiu (洪仲丘), whose death has sparked a public uproar. In expressing his condolences to Hong's family, the president stressed that the government will work speedily to get to the bottom of the case, apprehend and punish those responsible, and provide generous compensation to the family. At the same time, he said, a thorough examination of the military's discipline system will take place in order to prevent the recurrence of a similar tragedy.
Noting that Hong had died due to abusive discipline, President Ma expressed deep sorrow and regret over what happened, which is why he was visiting the home of Hong's family to express his apologies. The president added that on July 15 he instructed the Ministry of National Defense (MND) to uncover the truth for the sake of both the family as well as the larger society.
President Ma stressed that he not only has asked the MND to investigate this incident, but also directed the ministry to undertake a comprehensive review of its disciplinary measures to ensure that no similar incident will happen again. The president said that the ministry should quickly determine what happened, mete out heavy punishment to those responsible, and provide generous compensation and other assistance to the corporal's family. Meanwhile, he noted, all persons involved in the investigation of this incident are absolutely not allowed to conceal the truth, or to shield those involved from punishment. The president commented that the truth must absolutely be exposed for Hong's sake.
With respect to the request by the family to be kept better informed on the progress of the investigation, President Ma instructed the MND to update the family on the investigation while at the same time ensuring that the need for investigative confidentiality is met. The president also stated that the Ministry of Justice and the Bureau of Investigation can also help examine the evidence. He remarked that members of the military who break the Criminal Code of the Armed Forces or violate other special laws are to be tried in accordance with the Code of Court Martial Procedure. In other words, said the president, these individuals will be under the jurisdiction of the military court. On the other hand, persons not presently in the military will not be tried in military courts, he stated.
The president emphasized that, having served in the military, he is deeply aware of what Hong's family is feeling. He stated that the military exists to defend the nation, therefore training must be practical and discipline must be strict. However, it is absolutely forbidden for anyone in the military to abuse their power and commit illegal acts. President Ma acknowledged that the truth of the incident is still not clear, but added that the government will uncover the facts and make them public. At the same time, he said, an investigation will be carried out to determine whether the military prosecutors and related units acted appropriately after learning of the incident.
President Ma also pledged to Hong's family that the government will work speedily to get to the bottom of the case, apprehend and punish those responsible, and provide generous compensation to the family. This incident not only has a bearing on the reputation of the nation's military, he said, but is also important to the tens of thousands of parents with children in the military. President Ma stated that in the future the nation will convert to an all-volunteer military system. Even under that system all men of draft age will be required to undergo four months of military education, so the government absolutely will not tolerate a repeat of this type of situation.
Among those accompanying the president to Hong's residence was Vice Minister of National Defense Yang Nian-Zu (楊念祖).