Addressing this week's protests against the government's military pension bill, Premier Lai Ching-te said during Thursday's Cabinet meeting that the reforms proposed by the Executive Yuan give careful consideration to the special nature of military service and emphasize the rights and interests of military personnel. The changes guarantee fair treatment for retired veterans while also providing sustainable livelihoods for both active-service and future military professionals. The commitment to undertake the reforms remains unchanged, said the premier, and the government will continue to engage in sincere dialogue with the public in hopes of building wider support.
The considerable progress of the Taiwan's democratic institutions received further confirmation on Wednesday when the organization Reporters Without Borders released its 2018 World Press Freedom Index, which placed Taiwan 42nd among the countries surveyed. The new ranking represents a three-place improvement on last year's score, and a rise of nine places compared with 2016. Taiwan also retained its position as the leader of press freedom in Asia.
Yet even as the country enjoys this honor, Taiwan this week witnessed willful attacks on journalists and police by reform protesters. Protest is a fundamental right enjoyed by all who seek to make known their demands and try to win support from the public, said Premier Lai, but violence only serves to damage the democratic rule of law in Taiwan. Wednesday's lawless conduct has drawn universal and harsh condemnation from all sectors of society.
In order to maintain order and preserve public safety, Premier Lai ordered the National Police Agency and Ministry of Justice to take firm action against any illegal or violent behavior and prosecute perpetrators to the full extent of the law.