(Clearwisdom.net) According to the South China Morning Post from January 15th, 2003, after receiving unusual criticism from Beijing, Ma Ying-jeou, the Mayor of Taipei said although some people don't treat Falun Gong as a religion, "They still enjoy the right to assembly as a part of a free society."
According to the report, Mr. Ma said, "In Taiwan, nothing has ever shown Falun Gong to be an awful cult. As long as they operate within the limits of the law, do not disturb others and do not interfere with the public interest, they pose no threat to us."
He said, "Suppression of religion is not a part of traditional Chinese culture. As the descendants of Chinese culture, mainland China should really display more tolerance."
He said, although some people don't think of Falun Gong as a religion, "They can still enjoy the right to assembly as a part of a free society." Mr. Ma said it is wise for the government not to intervene with similar organizations.
The report also stated that Mr. Ma is not surprised by a commentary published by Xinhua News Agency, which claims "a politician in Taiwan" thinks Taiwan government's tolerance of Falun Gong "hurts the relationship between the mainland China and the Taiwanese government."