KMT's 'Relay Hunger Strike' Against Toxic Oil Draws Mockery as 'Taking Turns Eating' — Writer Counters: 'It Started with Lin Yi-hsiung'

The scandal over carcinogenic oil has continued for over half a month. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an recently called on citizens to protest on Ketagalan Boulevard on July 25. On July 19, KMT Taipei city councilors and council candidates announced a sit-in across from Jieshou Police Station, launching a 'relay hunger strike' lasting until July 25—six days and 144 hours in total. However, this move has been ridiculed by pro-Green supporters and the Qingniao movement as merely 'taking turns to eat.' In response, writer Piaolang Daoyu posted on Facebook, stating that while the KMT's relay hunger strike is now being mocked by the Qingniao pro-Taiwan camp, they have forgotten that the original precedent for 'relay hunger strikes' was set by former DPP chair Lin Yi-hsiung.

The KMT has called for a protest on Ketagalan Boulevard on July 26 against the toxic oil case. Taipei councilor Yang Chih-tou, along with candidates Lai Yi-jen, Ho Yuan-kai, and Chang Chia-hsin, are responding with a hunger strike sit-in. On July 19, they gathered across from the Jieshou Police Station under Zhongzheng District Police Precinct, announcing a six-day 'relay hunger strike' lasting 144 hours until July 25. However, this action has been mocked as merely 'rotating meal breaks.'

Piaolang Daoyu stated that hunger strikes are among the most self-sacrificial forms of protest, using physical endurance to highlight personal will and conviction. The most famous example globally is Mahatma Gandhi, who conducted long-term hunger strikes for India's independence. In Taiwan, both Shih Ming-teh and Lin Yi-hsiung have previously conducted prolonged hunger strikes. In 1988, Shih Ming-teh's brother, Shih Ming-cheng, died after a hunger strike, becoming a significant moment in Taiwan's democratic history.

Over time, hunger strikes have evolved into various forms—some allow water or soy milk, others involve supporters delivering meals. Notably, in 2017, Lin Yi-hsiung initiated a 24-hour relay fast in front of the DPP headquarters, demanding the party amend the referendum law, with participants taking turns fasting for one day each. This marked the beginning of the 'relay hunger strike' trend in Taiwan.

Piaolang Daoyu emphasized that while the KMT's current 'relay hunger strike' is being widely mocked by the Qingniao camp, they have forgotten that Lin Yi-hsiung pioneered this form of protest. If the KMT wishes to emulate past relay hunger strikes, they should at least meet the standard of fasting for a full day to avoid falling behind.

More exclusive reports from Feng Media: - Joining hands with Lu Hsiu-yen to protest carcinogenic oil! Chiang Wan-an blasts Lai's administration for cover-up: 'See you on Ketagalan Boulevard on July 25' - TFDA releases list of 257 downstream firms linked to carcinogenic oil — 'Well-known companies' included, sparking outrage: 'No wonder they chose to cover it up immediately' - Was Lai Qing-de seen with Hong Yao-kun, chairman of Zhonglian, after the toxic oil scandal? Huang Yang-ming reveals timeline, demanding answers from Lai