“This tragedy has left lingering distrust and unhealed trauma in society decades later,” he said. “The government will continue facing up to its responsibility and is committed to ensuring such an event never happens again.”
Ma made the remarks at a Peace Memorial Day ceremony Feb. 28 in Taipei City.
The February 28 Incident took place in 1947 when protestors demanded Gov. Chen Yi institute reforms. When these demands went unmet, people throughout the island rioted against the government. Military reinforcements dispatched from mainland China killed thousands while restoring order.
“I deeply empathize with the victims’ families and understand that their pain cannot simply be eased by compensation and apologies,” said Ma, adding that the government has made every effort to right the wrongs of the past.
These include designating the day as a national holiday, setting up monuments, memorial halls and a foundation dedicated to investigating the incident, and making the event an important part of Taiwan’s human rights education.
“Since the founding of the Memorial Foundation of 228 in 1995, there have been 2,281 approved cases of monetary compensation totaling NT$7.2 billion [US$ 228.2 million] paid out to 9,920 recipients,” Ma said.
In addition, following revision of the 228 Incident Disposition and Compensation Act in 2013, the deadline for the compensation scheme was pushed back four years, with 15 new applications approved since the change, he added.
“History is objective and yet feelings are subjective,” Ma said. “The mistakes of the past may perhaps be forgiven, but what actually happened must never be forgotten.”
Looking to the future, the president pledged the government will join hands with the people to build social cohesion and build lasting peace and stability.
“We are committed to resolving differences through cooperation and mutual respect, as well as engaging in dialogue instead of confrontation,” he said. “Only love and sincerity will allow the wounds in our society to heal.” (YHC-JSM)
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