The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has received heavy criticism for passing the Anti-Infiltration Act despite sizeable pushback.
The new law stipulates that individuals who receive aid or political donations from hostile foreign forces, or those who attempt to intervene in Taiwan’s elections, will be sentenced up to 5 years in prison and fined up to NT$10 million (US$333,000).
The law has been a contentious point of controversy since its introduction into the legislature. Many pointed out that the law defined infiltration in general and vague terms. The primary concern is that the government can freely interpret the law to fine and imprison those they deem guilty without sufficient evidence.
At a flag-raising ceremony in the southern city of Tainan, opposition KMT candidate Han Kuo-yu criticized the DPP for forcing the Anti-infiltration Act through the legislature, where the DPP holds a majority. Han said the bill did not go through a proper review process and that it was sent straight to a second reading after Tsai gave a direct order to the legislature. Han said the law will foster an atmosphere of fear and if elected president, he will certainly review the bill carefully.
People First Party presidential candidate James Soong said the DPP’s actions were akin to that of the private police during Taiwan’s martial law era. He said this will discourage exchanges across the Taiwan Strait moving forward.