Premier Yu Shyi-kun has called for a national consensus on a controversial proposal for lifting the ban on casinos in Taiwan's offshore counties.

After being briefed by a panel responsible for laying down development plans for the three counties, namely Kinmen, Matsu and Penghu, the premier said the idea is considered a major policy concerning all of Taiwan rather than just a strategy aimed at boosting tourism in the offshore counties, and therefore requires a national consensus before a final decision can be made.

In light of the sharp differences between those who favor the idea and those who oppose it, the premier asked the Ministry of the Interior to consult various sections of society on the issue and come up with a comprehensive proposal.

Many public officials from Penghu, including county magistrate Lai Feng-wei and legislator Lin Ping-kun, are among the fervent advocates of the proposal, considering it a cure for their county's stagnant economy. They even held a non-binding referendum wherein, they claimed, more than 50 percent of the voters voiced their support for the idea of setting up casinos.

However, Vice Minister of the Interior Ke Hsiang-tang, who headed the panel, told the premier that opponents worry that the negative influences brought by gambling, including possible rampant crime, will ruin the pristine island counties.