DPP blames China over missing activist

TAIPEI • China's failure to respond on the matter of a Taiwanese man missing on the mainland is causing his family "anxiety and panic", the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) said, as it called on authorities to protect the rights of Taiwan people.

Concern has risen on self-ruled Taiwan about the whereabouts of Mr Lee Ming-che, a community college worker known for supporting human rights in China who disappeared last Sunday after entering Zhuhai city via Macau.

"But, after six days, there has been no official response by China to requests for consultations about the search by our government and his family," the DPP said in its strongest statement yet on Mr Lee's disappearance.

The party called on Chinese authorities to respond promptly to requests for cooperation.

Relations between Beijing and Taipei have worsened in the past year, largely because Beijing distrusts the DPP, which took power last year and traditionally supports independence for Taiwan.

REUTERS

Sabah boat tragedy firms lose licences

KOTA KINABALU • The three tour operators involved in the Jan 28 catamaran tragedy off Pulau Mengalum are no longer allowed to operate as their licences have been revoked.

The Tourism and Culture Ministry director for Sabah, Mr Ahmad Zaki, said the action was taken as the case, which involved 28 Chinese tourists and three crewmen, was a serious matter.

A search is still on for the remaining five people - four tourists and a crew member.

Four people died and 22 people, including two crewmen, survived.

THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK