Posted on 03/23/2006 11:00:52 AM PST by joesnuffy
The recent murder of Allen Ngai Leung, a famous Chinese-American community leader in San Francisco's Chinatown, has exposed a political tension that has silenced many of Chinatown's leaders who favor Taiwan and are against the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Leung was killed at the scene by a masked gunman disguised as a robber, who fired four shots into Leung after breaking into his business, Wonkow International Enterprises, located at the intersection of Jackson Street and Kearny Street on the afternoon of February 27.
The police and the majority of the Chinese-American community leaders in Chinatown have largely been keeping silent on this case, unwilling to comment. Those that do speak out have for the most part asked to remain anonymous.
San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) spokeswoman Maria Oropeza told the World Journal that "It wasn't a random act. It appears this victim was an intended target and that this was not a robbery."
Leung was the head of Chinese Freemasons of The World (also known as Hung Moon Chee Kung Tong), a member of Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission, Republic of China, and president of the Chinese Community Cultural Association. He was also involved with other groups in Chinatown, and was regarded as a leader.
A local senior Chinese-American community leader, who was unwilling to reveal his identity, said, "At present, Singtao Daily, the China Press, and Ming Pao Daily all reported that this case was caused by disputes between gangs. Do not believe it. All the people in Chinatown know that Leung is a leader of human rights and democracy, a fighter who is determined to be anti-communist."
Changing Political Situation in Chinatown
According to a report by the San Francisco Chronicle, a politician who wished to remain anonymous said that Chinatown used to be centered on Taiwan. During the last few years, the CCP has spent tremendous effort towards unification, and many old overseas Chinese have been drawn from the anti-communist to the pro-communist side. In turn, Chinatown is under the control of the Communist Party. "Five years ago you could see flags of the Republic of China everywhere," the source said. "But today there are many communist China flags. Communism is the newly rising political power."
Reports noted that prior to the assassination, Leung hoped to distance himself from the pro-communist power within overseas Chinese associations in San Francisco. A key player in the pro-communist contingent is Rose Pak, a consultant who works for the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and is an accomplished political fund raiser.
A source that wished to remain anonymous said that Pak has close ties with the Chinese Consulate in San Francisco, and that the Consulate "regards her worth highly, and says she's done a good job, especially with the overseas persecution of Falun Gong."
Former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, in an interview with Singtao Daily in 2001, when asked about Supervisor Chris Daly's failed resolution which condemned the persecution of Falun Gong, stated that, "Regarding these results, President Jiang was very happy. He was extremely happy that we as a city made an effort on this matter. President Jiang is especially pleased with the work done by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Rose Pak in their strong effort against passing the [Falun Gong] resolution."
The Chinese Chamber of Commerce revealed its close relationship with the CCP when it wrote an amicus brief trying to stop a lawsuit served by Falun Gong practitioners in 2001 against the former Mayor of Beijing, Liu Qi. Liu was being sued for crimes against humanity and his participation in the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Leung's Battle against Pro-Communist Factions
Leung hoped to build an independent overseas Chinese association free from the control of the CCP, which he already begun planning at the time of his death. It was also revealed that Leung recently had heated disputes with the pro-communist side on such issues as the CCP trying to buy out the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, also known as the Chinese Six Companies, of which he was a member.
The Chinese Six Companies every year hosts a celebration on Oct. 10 to commemorate the anniversary of the formation of the Republic of China (Taiwan). However, in recent years, the parade has become much more controversial than before.
"After Dr. Sun Yat-Sen established the Republic of China, San Francisco has always held the October tenth parade," said a local resident who wished to remain anonymous. "But the CCP bought off many old-timers and community leaders in recent years. It has always wanted to abolish the October tenth parade. It was Leung who stood out and enabled the continuation of the parade these last few years. He is the backbone of anti-communism. The CCP faction has always seen him as an eyesore and wanted to get rid of him."
Three years ago, a scandal erupted concerning the parade when a lion dancer fell during the parade and was run over by a truck, causing him to be handicapped. This later turned into a lawsuit against the Chinese Six Companies, but it was a problem because the person entrusted with insuring the parade was given $27,000 to do so but instead only insured a few individuals.
The man in charge of the insurance was the co-president of a large pro-CCP organization. Two years ago, Leung planned to sue him for the damages because the accident should have been covered by the insurance he was supposed to obtain. An anonymous source said that the Chinese Consulate wanted to save the co-president, and would do anything to stop the lawsuit. Leung, however, was determined to carry through with it, and was still involved with the issue before his death.
"Leung was against communism all his life, was blacklisted by the CCP, and never went back to the Mainland," said a good friend. "When I saw him last weekend, his face had exploded with anger. Obviously, he was arguing with someone. He told Lei Zhen Ze that he would not agree to the CCP's request."
"Allen Leung was a big supporter of the anti-Chinese Communist Party force in Chinatown," said Norman Yang, Executive President of the Cross Strait Prosperity in Peace Association. "He was the most outspoken person in Chinatown against the CCP and was very influential. His death, no doubt, is a big blow to the anti-CCP and pro-Taiwan groups."
Shame. Sounds like a good man. Can we safely assume the FBI is all over the communist efforts in Chinatown?
Nope.
I imagine many San Franciscans think this is just as it should be.
Forget it Jake, its Chinatown.
It is a sad day that we allow this kind of things to happen here!
'Bout eight months ago the commies did something similar to someone else...I think it was up in Corte Madera, or something (just across GG bridge). Busted into this Asian pro-democracy guy's house...beat the $hit out of him, didn't take ANYTHING of value....'bout 8 months ago, I guess...
The support for ROC has indeed been waning within the overseas Chinese communities. The PRC is working hard to destroy it. The Taiwan independence group is working hard to destroy it. It's hard to fight on two fronts simultaneously.
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