Taipei Times
Date: Nov 25, 2017
By: Sean Lin / Staff reporter
Premier William Lai (賴清德) yesterday apologized after suggesting that caregivers
From left, Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung, Premier William Lai and Cabinet spokesman Hsu Kuo-yung pose for a photograph at a news conference in Taipei yesterday announcing the launch of a long-term care hotline. Photo: Liao Chen-huei, Taipei Times
should look past their low salaries and treat their jobs as “doing good deeds” sparked controversy.
Lai, a former physician, made the remark at the launch of the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s “1966 Hotline,” aimed at addressing people’s needs to care for elders in their homes.
“Taiwanese society thrives on virtuous acts, acts to help others,” the premier said during his speech, citing as an example police and firefighters from all parts of the nation who poured into Tainan to rescue people trapped in the rubble after a massive earthquake last year.
“Although those of you who take care of older people only make about NT$30,000 [US$994], which seems disproportionate to your responsibilities, I want to encourage all caregivers to bless Taiwan with your virtuous acts — by performing good deeds,” he said.
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