Statement on Comments made by Mr. Li, Cheng-Hao in the TV Program “Crucial Moment” of EBC News
The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia expresses deep regret over the comments on Malaysia’s COVID-19 situation made by Mr. Li, Cheng-Hao in the talk show program “Crucial Moment” of Taiwanese EBC News on March 24, 2020, which led to a public outcry in Malaysia. We have immediately conveyed Malaysian public’s concerns to the EBC News and asked them to respond at earliest time, while facilitating communications among relevant parties.
Mr Li formally offered his apology to the Malaysian people in the same TV program on March 30, 2020, following his previous apologies posted in his Facebook on March 28 and 29 respectively. The TV program that contains Mr. Li’s comments on March 24, 2020 has also been removed by the EBC News. We are pleased to see a step forward.
This Office solemnly declares that comments made by Mr. Li in the TV program are entirely his own, and in no way reflect any official views of the Taiwan government which disapproves of the remarks. The people of Taiwan always appreciate Malaysia’s achievements in various aspects and its cultural diversity. In the midst of COVID-19 outbreak across the globe, Taiwan keeps in close contact with Malaysia in our ongoing fights against the pandemic based on our long-standing cooperation. We earnestly hope that our close ties and the friendship between our two peoples will not be impacted by this incident.