Walis Perin

{{Infobox officeholder

| name = Walis Perin

| native_name = {{nobold|Walis Perin}}

| honorific-suffix = MLY

| image = 06.30 「總統府原住民族歷史正義與轉型正義委員會第二次委員會議」會後記者會 (34819288043).jpg

| caption = Walis Perin (center) on 30 June 2017, after a meeting of the Indigenous Historical Justice and Transitional Justice Committee

| nationality = Republic of China

| order =

| office = Member of the Control Yuan

| deputy =

| term_start = 16 January 2018

| term_end =

| predecessor =

| successor =

| order1 =

| office1 = Minister of the Council of Indigenous Peoples

| deputy1 =

| term_start1 = 10 March 2005

| term_end1 = 21 May 2007

| predecessor1 = Chen Chien-nien

| successor1 = Icyang Parod

| order2 = Member of the Legislative Yuan

| office2 =

| term_start2 = 1 February 1993

| term_end2 = 31 January 2005

| predecessor2 = new seat in multi-member district

| successor2 = {{ill|Kung Wen-chi|zh|孔文吉}}

| constituency2 = Highland Aborigine

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1952|8|8|df=y}}

| birth_place = Nantou County, Taiwan

| party = Democratic Progressive Party {{small|(since 2015)}}

| otherparty = Independent {{small|(before 1995)}}
Kuomintang {{small|(1995–98)}}
{{ill|Democratic Non-Partisan Alliance|zh|全國民主非政黨聯盟}} {{small|(1998–2001)}}
Taiwan Number One Party (Independent) {{small|(2001–2004)}}
Non-Partisan Solidarity Union {{small|(2004–?)}}
People First Party {{small|(2011–?)}}

| signature =

| education = Fu Jen Catholic University (BA, MA)

}}

Walis Perin (born 8 August 1952) is a Seediq Taiwanese politician. He served four terms in the Legislative Yuan from 1993 to 2005, each time with a different political affiliation. He became a founding member of the Non-Partisan Solidarity Union in 2004, and after losing reelection, was appointed the minister for the Council of Indigenous Peoples in 2005. He stepped down in 2007, and since then has launched two unsuccessful legislative campaigns, in 2012 with the People First Party and 2016, representing the Democratic Progressive Party. In 2018, Walis Perin was appointed to the Control Yuan.

Early life, education and career

Walis Perin was born in Nantou County on 8 August 1952 and obtained a bachelor's degree in philosophy followed by a master's degree in theology, both from Fu Jen Catholic University. He served as a Roman Catholic priest until 1986, when he won a seat on the Nantou County Council.{{cite news|title=Taiwan's Indigenous Peoples Get More Recognition|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/a-13-2005-11-09-voa31/308873.html|access-date=12 June 2016|agency=Voice of America|date=9 November 2005}}{{cite news|last1=Mo|first1=Yan-chih|title=Walis Pelin makes a name standing up for Aborigines|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2005/03/07/2003225821|accessdate=12 June 2016|work=Taipei Times|date=7 March 2005}} Prior to 2008, when the government granted official status to the Seediq people,{{cite news|last1=Tsai|first1=June|title='Seediq Bale' sparks renewed interest in Wushe Uprising|url=http://www.taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=171522&CtNode=430|accessdate=12 June 2016|work=Taiwan Today|date=15 June 2011}} Wallis Perin was described as an Atayal.{{cite news|last1=Chang|first1=Linda|title=Yami tribe celebrates ancient links to 'historic families' in|url=http://www.taiwantoday.tw/fp.asp?xItem=16137&CtNode=451|accessdate=29 June 2016|work=Taiwan Today|date=27 March 1998}}{{cite news|last1=Huang|first1=Sandy|title=Atayal council not impressed with May Chin's stand|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2002/10/26/0000177126|accessdate=12 June 2016|work=Taipei Times|date=26 October 2002}}

Political career

Walis Perin won a seat on the second Legislative Yuan as an independent in 1992. He ran under the Kuomintang banner in 1995, and won a second term. By 1998, Walis Perin left the KMT for the Democratic Non-Partisan Alliance, but again managed to keep his legislative seat. Walis Perin split from the DNPA to run for reelection yet again in 2001. He joined the Taiwan Number One Party,{{cite news|last1=Simon|first1=Scott|title=Elections in the Mountains : Indigenous Politics and the 2016 Legislative Elections|url=http://blogs.nottingham.ac.uk/chinapolicyinstitute/2015/12/29/elections-in-the-mountains-indigenous-politics-and-the-2016-legislative-elections/|accessdate=12 June 2016|publisher=University of Nottingham|date=29 December 2015}} and was covered in Taiwanese media as an independent.{{cite news|last1=Huang|first1=Sandy|title=Aborigines call on Chen to follow through|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2002/05/22/0000137090|accessdate=12 June 2016|work=Taipei Times|date=22 May 2002}}{{cite news|last1=Chiu|first1=Yu-tzu|title=Aboriginals protest against location of incinerator|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/local/archives/2001/07/06/0000092948|accessdate=12 June 2016|work=Taipei Times|date=6 July 2001}} In 2002, Walis Perin and other legislators reestablished a caucus for independents,{{cite news|last1=Hsu|first1=Crystal|title=Independents try to form caucus|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2002/07/02/0000146684|accessdate=12 June 2016|work=Taipei Times|date=2 July 2002}}{{cite news|last1=Hsu|first1=Crystal|title=Independents seeking new voice|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2002/06/27/0000146047|accessdate=12 June 2016|work=Taipei Times|date=27 June 2002}} of which he was named the convener.{{cite news|last1=Ko|first1=Shu-ling|title=Aboriginals lukewarm to 'menu' for change|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2003/06/04/2003053866|accessdate=12 June 2016|date=4 June 2003}}{{cite news|last1=Lu|first1=Fiona|title=Opposition pledges SARS support|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2003/05/02/0000204320|accessdate=12 June 2016|work=Taipei Times|date=2 May 2003}}

As a legislator, Walis Perin worked extensively to protect aboriginal autonomy and culture.{{cite news|title=Aboriginals unite against lack of progress on self-rule|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2002/10/27/0000177253|accessdate=12 June 2016|work=Taipei Times|agency=Central News Agency|date=27 October 2002}}{{cite news|last1=Huang|first1=Sandy|title=Aboriginal leaders want Makao Park deal put in writing|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2002/04/17/0000132154|accessdate=12 June 2016|work=Taipei Times|date=17 April 2002}} He proposed a bill that sought to form an aboriginal parliament and constitution,{{cite news|last1=Liu|first1=Shao-hua|title=Orchid Island Aborigines want autonomy|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2000/05/25/0000037362|accessdate=12 June 2016|work=Taipei Times|date=25 May 2000}} and has supported initiatives to cut the aboriginal unemployment rate.{{cite news|last1=Chuang|first1=Chi-Ting|title=New bill aims to help Aboriginals|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/local/archives/2000/07/13/0000043576|accessdate=12 June 2016|work=Taipei Times|date=13 July 2000}} In further defense of aboriginal rights, Walis Perin has been known to lead protests.{{cite news|last1=Hong|first1=Caroline|title=Protesters slam road repair ban|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2004/11/16/2003211260|accessdate=12 June 2016|work=Taipei Times|date=16 November 2004}}{{cite news|last1=Chuang|first1=Chi-ting|title=Aborigines clash with cement firm over land|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2001/03/13/77312|accessdate=12 June 2016|work=Taipei Times|date=13 March 2001}} He and nine others founded the Non-Partisan Solidarity Union in June 2004.{{cite news|last1=Yiu|first1=Cody|title=Legislator says new party should not be recognized|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2004/06/17/2003175377|accessdate=12 June 2016|work=Taipei Times|date=15 June 2004}} A month later, Vice President Annette Lu commented that aboriginals were not first to live on the island of Taiwan. Walis Perin planned a rally to counter the remark,{{cite news|last1=Hong|first1=Caroline|title=Lu backtracks on Aboriginal comments|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2004/07/24/2003180183|accessdate=12 June 2016|work=Taipei Times|date=24 July 2004}} and also said, "[Lu's] suggestion that Aboriginal people are not native to Taiwan and are outsiders is disrespectful and stems from an ignorance of the culture and history of the indigenous people."{{cite news|last1=Hong|first1=Caroline|title=Aboriginal legislators on hunger strike|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2004/07/17/2003179302|accessdate=12 June 2016|work=Taipei Times|date=17 July 2004}} Shortly after the incident, it was recommended that the Council of Indigenous Peoples merge with the Hakka Affairs Council and the Mongolian and Tibetan Affairs Commission. The CIP and Walis Perin panned the suggestion, and the merger did not occur.{{cite news|last1=Hong|first1=Caroline|title=Indigenous peoples council opposes agencies merger|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2004/09/04/2003201550|accessdate=12 June 2016|work=Taipei Times|date=4 September 2004}} In December, running as a Non-Partisan Solidarity Union candidate, Walis Perin was defeated in the legislative elections.{{cite news|last1=Wu|first1=Debby|title='Ma's corps' stick together on the busy campaign trail|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2004/12/02/2003213408|accessdate=17 October 2016|work=Taipei Times|date=2 December 2004}}

On 3 March 2005, Wallis Perin was appointed the minister of the Council of Indigenous Peoples, replacing Chen Chien-nien, who had resigned.{{cite news|last1=Chuang|first1=Jimmy|title=Walis Pelin chosen to lead Council of Indigenous Peoples|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2005/03/03/2003225266|accessdate=12 June 2016|work=Taipei Times|date=3 March 2005}}{{cite news|last1=Chuang|first1=Jimmy|title=More jobs for the boys as Cabinet officials selected|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2005/03/05/2003225541|work=Taipei Times|date=5 March 2005}} Under his leadership, the CIP drafted a revision to laws pertaining to aboriginal autonomy,{{cite news|last1=Loa|first1=Iok-sin|title=Council pushes for review of autonomy bill for Aborigines|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2007/01/30/2003346906|accessdate=12 June 2016|work=Taipei Times|date=30 January 2007}} established a library and resource center for indigenous people,{{cite news|last1=Lin|first1=Jean|title=Aboriginal resource center opened|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2006/07/22/2003319834|accessdate=12 June 2016|work=Taipei Times|date=22 July 2006}} and helped start a radio station and television channel geared toward an aboriginal audience,{{cite news|last1=Mo|first1=Yan-chih|title=New Aboriginal station on the air|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2005/07/02/2003261858|accessdate=12 June 2016|work=Taipei Times|date=2 July 2005}} the latter something Walis Perin had supported since his days in the legislature.{{cite news|last1=Wu|first1=Debby|title=Aboriginal TV still just a proposal|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2003/08/03/2003062107|accessdate=12 June 2016|work=Taipei Times|date=3 August 2001}} Also during his tenure, the Sakizaya people applied for and received official governmental designation as a group separate from the Amis.{{cite news|last1=Chuang|first1=Jimmy|title=Tribe wants official recognition|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2005/10/14/2003275678|accessdate=12 June 2016|work=Taipei Times|date=14 October 2005}}{{cite news|title=Sakizaya ratified as thirteenth indigenous tribe|url=http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/archives/taiwan/2007117/100209.htm|accessdate=12 June 2016|work=China Post|agency=Central News Agency|date=17 January 2007}} Wallis Perin left the CIP in 2007, and was succeeded by Icyang Parod.{{cite news|last1=Loa|first1=Iok-sin|last2=Shih|first2=Hsiu-chuan|title=Premier-designate issues second list in Cabinet reshuffle|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2007/05/18/2003361385|accessdate=12 June 2016|work=Taipei Times|date=18 May 2007}}

In August 2011, Walis Perin was named a People First Party candidate for the legislature, but lost.{{cite news|title=People First Party set to announce district legislator candidates today|url=http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2011/08/10/312869/People-First.htm|accessdate=12 June 2016|work=China Post|date=10 August 2011}}{{cite news|last1=Shih|first1=Hsiao-kuang|title=KMT legislators confident they won't lose out to PFP|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2011/08/15/2003510793|accessdate=12 June 2016|work=Taipei Times|date=15 August 2011}} He ran again in 2016, this time with the Democratic Progressive Party. Walis Perin declared his candidacy in May 2015.{{cite news|last1=Tung|first1=Chen-kuo|author2-link=Lii Wen|last2=Lii|first2=Wen|title=Walis Pelin joins legislative race on DPP card|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2015/05/10/2003617936|accessdate=12 June 2016|work=Taipei Times|date=10 May 2015}} During his campaign, he alleged that other candidates were engaging in electoral fraud.{{cite news|last1=Lee|first1=Hsin-fang|title=DPP candidate Walis Pelin accuses Aboriginal lawmakers of vote-buying|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2016/01/08/2003636690|accessdate=12 June 2016|work=Taipei Times|date=8 January 2016}} Shortly after defeating Walis Perin, Chien Tung-ming was indicted on charges of vote buying.{{cite news|last1=Gerber|first1=Abraham|title=Campaigners pan empty Aboriginal legislative seats|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2016/04/10/2003643622|accessdate=12 June 2016|work=Taipei Times|date=10 April 2016}} In March 2017, President Tsai Ing-wen named Walis Perin to a position on the Control Yuan.{{cite news|last1=Yeh|first1=Sophia|last2=Chang|first2=S.C.|last3=Huang|first3=Romulo|title=Home > Politics President Tsai nominates 11 Control Yuan members|url=http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201703010028.aspx|accessdate=1 March 2017|agency=Central News Agency|date=1 March 2017}} He was also appointed to a committee set up to research aboriginal property rights.{{cite news|last1=Hsu|first1=Stacy|title=Committee debates delineation of Aboriginal lands|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2017/03/21/2003667177|accessdate=29 March 2017|work=Taipei Times|date=21 March 2017}} During questioning by the Legislative Yuan in January 2018, Wallis Perin stated that he supported the Control Yuan's abolition only if it was first approved by constitutional amendment and further backed by a referendum.{{cite news|last1=Lin|first1=Sean|title=Control Yuan nominees for its abolition|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2018/01/13/2003685687|accessdate=15 January 2018|work=Taipei Times|date=13 January 2018}} Walis Perin was confirmed as a member of the Control Yuan on 16 January 2018,{{cite news|last1=Lin|first1=Sean|title=Control Yuan: DPP's Control Yuan nominees approved|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2018/01/17/2003685922|accessdate=17 January 2018|work=Taipei Times|date=17 January 2018}} and took office immediately.{{cite news|last1=Wang|first1=Cheng-chung|last2=Tsai|first2=Chia-lin|last3=Su|first3=Justin|last4=Liu|first4=Kuan-lin|title=Legislature approves president's Control Yuan nominees|url=http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201801160010.aspx|accessdate=17 January 2018|agency=Central News Agency|date=16 January 2018}}