TAIWAN
Taiwan’s Public Servants have been told they must stop making social media “likes” or comments on candidates running for political office.
Secretary-General of the Examination Yuan at the Ministry of Civil Service, Lee Chi-hsuan said such actions breached the Civil Service Administrative Neutrality Act.
“We have repeatedly warned Government Agencies at all levels that the Act should be observed,” Mr Lee said.
He said even clicking the “like” button on Facebook might be in contravention of the Act.
“Government Agencies must process any complaints about such actions if they are filed,” Mr Lee said.
He said common infractions by PS employees included staff taking positions as Deputy Chairs of local party organisations or serving as Managing Director of a party chapter.
“I have even known cases of the head of a Government Division mobilising the entire unit to attend a rally for a candidate,” Mr Lee said.
“Civil Servants should not attend events or rallies hosted by political parties or candidates when leaving the office on official business, and should not circulate election pamphlets in their office, regardless of whether they pass them to colleagues or visitors.”
Mr Lee said PS employees were also banned from wearing election-themed clothing in the office and must not attend or host candidates’ fundraisers.
“Finally, deans of public schools must not write endorsements for candidates in mass media advertisements,” he said.
Taipei, 3 November 2018
