The Taidong Council has pulled their expected 'fast one' and 'over-ruled' the high court decision that declared the Mirimar Hotel to be an illegal cesspit of greed and corruption from the day it was conceived, and now the council is rushing through a new, all-improved Environmental Impact Assessment. Anyone opposing the development in any shape or form has been excluded from the panel - in fact the whole thing has been convened in secrecy and it's a total sham. It was only announced yesterday that the panel even existed and that they would be making their findings public today. No prizes for guessing what they will decide.

Ultimately, this will be an interesting test case that the international business community would do well to pay attention to.

Does Taiwan have a 'rule of law' playing field for those wanting to do business here?

Or is corruption truly institutionalized in this country to the point that you can blatantly get away with anything you want in the plain light of day. Including thumbing your nose at the high court! And if you do come here, then you better know how to play the game - and you better have deep pockets and a few politicians in them as well.

C'mon Taiwan - you're better than that!

Protest: Today, Sat, June 2,12.30pm
Where: Council offices in Taidong City