Ma Ying-jeou rejects Taiwan defence minister resignation bid after conscript heat stroke death
Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou refused to accept the defence minister’s resignation after a 24-year-old army recruit died of heat stroke while being punished for bringing a cellphone on base.
Defence Minister Kao Hua-chu apologised on Monday night for the death of Hung Chung-chiu on July 3 and offered to step down. Hung had been forced to perform a vigorous regime of sit-ups, push-ups, jumping jacks and squats in sweltering heat.
The military has punished 37 officers in connection with the incident, including 15 who face criminal prosecution.
Ma said on Tuesday that a resignation by Kao was not justified under the circumstances.
Recruits are banned from bringing camera-equipped mobile phones onto Taiwanese military bases for security reasons.
Hung was several days away from completing his 20-month military obligation when he died.
Taiwan is transitioning from a conscripted military force to an all-volunteer army. Its goal of completing the transition by 2015 appears unlikely from initial indications because of continuing difficulties in attracting requisite numbers of recruits.
