On the third day of the millennium, there they were again -- fistfights in the Legislative Yuan.
Island of advanced technology? Island of humanity? Government of high efficiency? These are the goals that Taiwan set to usher in the new millennium, but unfortunately, it was the fisticuffs in the parliament that kicked off the new year.
Taiwan's political scene is marred by "black gold" politics -- the involvement of gangsters, corruption and illegal financial transactions.
Looking back at the disasters of the past few years -- the severe damage caused by the 921 earthquake, the collapse of Lincoln Mansions and the rockslide caused by the Typhoon Herb -- natural catastrophes have clearly proven that public construction and environmental issues have to be take seriously.
What is wrong with Taiwan? Where is Taiwan heading in this new millennium?
A lot of attention has been paid recently to information technology and bio-technology as the two major industries that will keep Taiwan abreast of other countries. But are they the be all and end-all?
High-tech development should be concurrent with the development of "social software" such as efficiency, quality and the ability to think both critically and rationally. A country should also be equipped with "social hardware" or long-term planning for regional development, public infrastructure and ecological maintenance. An ideal high-tech country should have all these features. Does Taiwan?
The drive towards high technology in advanced countries has brought up social problems such as unemployment, ecological damage and cracks in the social welfare system.
Taiwan is a society facing risks from high-tech development and globalization problems. At the same time, it is full of political tumors caused by "black gold" politics that not only erode its social and political bases but are ruining its future.
If it ever wants to have a clear future, Taiwan has to rid itself of a political system plagued by bid-rigging by gangsters, poor quality public construction and a government corrupted by involvement with business. It also has to be willing to squarely tackle the risk issues brought about by technology.
We have to be willing to admit that Taiwan has its own special problems -- based on its social mores and political infrastructure -- that if left unresolved will make it hard to either compete in the evolving global economy or to build a national and international identity.
Otherwise Taiwan will remain a country known only for its manufacturing -- not for innovation -- a fate that places it risk of being matched, even surpassed by China and Southeast Asian nations. A fate that would also leave it at risk of continuing to sacrifice its environment for the sake of industrial development.
Technological innovation is not just about industry. It is necessary for the systematic development of a country's political, economical, social and cultural structure. Any single weak link in the chain will affect the power of innovation.
In trying to rectify a system corrupted by "black gold" politics, beside political reforms carried out by the government, the most important element is citizens increasing their awareness of what is going on around them.
That is to say, if we ask a new government to rebuild Taiwan into a high-tech society, then we should also take steps to stop power struggles at the community level -- a crucial feature both for rebuilding society and eliminating "black gold."
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