May Chin, born Kao Chin Su-mei, has been a stalwart presence in Taiwan's legislative body, the Yuan, since May 2001, proudly serving as one of the three representatives of the island's Aboriginal population.
Throughout her tenure, she has been a vocal advocate for the rights and interests of her community, working tirelessly to amplify their voices and concerns within the political sphere.
As a member of a smaller party, May Chin has found common ground with the ruling pro-China Kuomintang, fostering a collaborative relationship that has enabled her to effectively advance her constituents' agendas.
In a bold move that showcased her unwavering commitment to justice, May Chin took the extraordinary step of suing former Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi in 2006, protesting his controversial visit to the Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo, Japan.
This shrine, which honors Japan's war dead, including those who perished in World War II, has long been a source of tension between Japan and its Asian neighbors, with many viewing it as a symbol of Japan's wartime aggression.
May Chin's courageous stance, while not without its challenges, served as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for one's beliefs and principles, even in the face of adversity.
