The Cabinet has rejected a referendum proposal on the fourth nuclear power plant.
The proposed question reads "Do you support the installation of fuel rods in the fourth nuclear power plant in New Taipei?" The question had passed the initial threshold in July with more than 120,000 endorsements. But the 14 members in the referendum review committee voted unanimously against the proposal on Friday.
The committee believes the question, proposed by National Taiwan University Professor Kao Cheng-yan is too confusing. The committee’s Chairman Chu Hsin-min explains:
“The statement may mislead people into believing that this proposal is in favor of the operation of the power plant," Chu said. "But explaining the reasons behind his proposal, Professor Kao listed all kinds of risks such as causing pollution that are actually against the power plant. Therefore people might have problems understanding the true intent of the proposal and will not be able to make a clear and right decision.”
Chu said the committee decision did not involve political considerations. But Professor Kao can still file an administrative petition after he receives the notice.