The Executive Yuan respects the Office of the President's decision to turn down former President Ma Ying-jeou's application to visit Hong Kong to deliver a speech, Executive Yuan Spokesperson Tung Chen-yuan said today.
The Executive Yuan also respects the decision-making powers granted to the Presidential Office, which followed the Classified National Security Information Protection Act and relevant regulations, Tung added.
The decision was made after careful consideration of the application and a thorough review of the necessary information and legal opinions provided by relevant agencies. This procedure is in line with the spirit of the Classified National Security Information Protection Act, which is to protect classified information and put the country's interests first, Tung said.