Regarding the case of Miss Chong, a Malaysian student in Taiwan who was murdered, the latest verdict from the Taiwanese court determined that the perpetrator did not commit a premeditated murder and has the potential for rehabilitation, thus revising the sentence to life imprisonment. The case is still subject to appeal. The Federation of Alumni Associations of Malaysia Graduates from Taiwan expresses strong dissatisfaction and deep sorrow over this verdict!
The president of the Federation, Pang Ching Ho, stated that ever since the incident occurred, it has affected the emotions and concerns of all students studying in Taiwan and the Malaysian Chinese community. “To our association, every Malaysian student who goes to Taiwan to study is like our own child. Parents entrust their children to study abroad with great expectations from society, yet such a major tragedy has occurred. To this day, there has not been a judicial outcome sufficient to comfort the emotions of the public or the victim's family, leaving us heavy-hearted and unable to accept it.”
He issued a statement on Friday saying: “Our association has always actively promoted studying in Taiwan and higher education exchanges, and has long introduced Taiwan's high-quality educational environment to Malaysian students and parents. Over the years, this case has gone through multiple trials and repeated changes in verdicts, which has continually shaken society’s expectations of justice, and has also truly impacted the sense of security for Malaysian students and their parents. While promoting education opportunities in Taiwan, our association inevitably faces questions and concerns from parents—this is not just an isolated case, but a shake-up of the entire foundation of trust!”
He mentioned that the Federation understands the judiciary values procedural justice and the protection of human rights. However, in the case of extremely serious violent crimes with severe consequences, society’s sense of justice, the dignity of the victim, and the emotions of the family members must also be taken seriously and fully considered.
“When the final verdict and the public’s sense of justice are at great odds, what is eroded is not only the persuasiveness of the decision, but also the overall credibility of the system.”
The statement urges the relevant authorities to:
1. Conduct a comprehensive review and strengthen the safety mechanisms that guarantee the personal safety of international students in Taiwan.
2. Enhance the campus and off-campus safety protection and risk warning systems.
3. Face up to the long-term impact of major criminal cases involving foreigners on international educational exchanges and student confidence.
“Our association reemphasizes: Malaysian students in Taiwan are not just numbers, but the hopes of their families, the future of society, and children we must protect together. We will continue to follow developments in this case, and on behalf of the community, persistently speak out for student safety and rightful justice.”