Hakka Affairs Council Minister Lee Yung-de attended the 25th anniversary celebrations of the Formosa Hakka Radio Station (FHR) at the Brother Hotel in Taipei on Sept. 7.

President Tsai Ing-wen delivered her congratulatory speech in a pre-recorded video, noting that FHR is an indispensable part of passing down the Hakka language and promoting Hakka heritage. President Tsai said that she is gratified by FHR’s great dedication to Hakka culture, and she promises that the government will continue to fully support Hakka affairs.
 

In his statement, HAC Minister Lee noted that although President Tsai was unable to attend this occasion, she always cares about events related to Hakka, and that as a Hakka descendant, Tsai has consistently promoted the Hakka language and culture after she took office in 2016. Minister Lee also mentioned that the budget for Hakka broadcasting is increasing every year, and that HAC will firmly back the high-quality radio station to help pass on Hakka legacies for posterity.
 

Lee expressed his gratitude to members of various Hakka communities for their support for FHR. Because of their help, FHR was able to overcome many obstacles and celebrate its 25th birthday, added Lee. He further thanked the radio station for eagerly participating in every Hakka social movement and affair so that the general public started to regard FHR as the pride and hope of Hakka. Finally, Lee offered his heartfelt congratulations to FHR, hoping that it will be holding celebrations for the next 25 years.
 

The Hakka Language Restoration Movement (還我母語運動), which was a protest against the Radio and Television Act that restricted the freedom of speaking non-Mandarin languages, took place on Dec. 28, 1988 to fight for the right to use the Hakka language in the public sphere. Since then, the Hakkas have made their own voices heard.
 

The Formosa Hakka Radio Station, which was set up in 1994, is the forerunner of Taiwan’s Hakka-language broadcasting services. It has raised public awareness of Hakka identity, enhanced the unity of Hakka communities, respected all ethnic groups in society, and engaged in civil affairs over the past 25 years. FHR programs are available online at www.formosahakka.org.tw.