President Lee Teng-hui's
In the last few weeks of his time in office, Lee made a final island-wide tour during which he repeatedly advocated the importance of a peaceful transfer of political power. Lee's statements may have sounded like an outdated tune to many, but such a message had an important and positive impact on political stability in the critical moment of transfer to President Chen Shui-bian's
Obviously, Lee hoped to let KMT supporters and the people of our country know that a change of leadership is commonplace in a political democracy. However, the rotation of ruling parties is, after all, a first for Taiwan society.
I am afraid many people were and still are having a difficult time adjusting to the change. Lee's talks were both an introspective review of the reasons for the KMT's defeat, as well as an effort to persuade the people to accept the new administration.
Lee's political accomplishments during the 12 years of his presidency far exceed those of his predecessors -- Chiang Kai-shek
However, the KMT was badly humiliated and insulted by protests of James Soong (宋楚瑜) supporters after his defeat on March 18. Accusations made against Lee during the heated protests included "dictator," and "traitor." The psychological inability of these people to accept defeat is certainly understandable.
However, such degrading and demeaning views of Lee's performance certainly do not do him justice. It is precisely the existence of these merciless protesters that further demonstrates Lee's democratic accomplishments. Lee is certainly the first and only head of state so far in Taiwan history to be able to take this kind of public verbal abuse and insult. With out his earnest efforts, Taiwan society could not possibly enjoy the kind of freedom of speech we now enjoy.
A leader often must have a magnanimous heart where the public enjoys freedom of speech. Lee has certainly set an exemplary example for the rest of us.
In the cross over from a politically oppressive era into a democratic and liberal society, Lee played an important role that often required him to tolerate insults. From the establishment of a system of popular election of the president to the joint resolution between the KMT and the DPP to downsize the provincial government, Taiwan has completed an important phase toward the establishment of a modernized government.
Over the issue of direct presidential elections, Lee faced the slanderous accusations of the conservative factions within the KMT. Over the decision to downsize the provincial government, Soong openly turned against Lee and broke all ties. Under the joint fires of the new and old conservative factions within the KMT, Lee finished a seemingly impossible mission of installing demo-cracy in Taiwan.
To deal with the pressure for a "one China" policy from Beijing, Lee set up a rubber stamp body, the "National Unification Council" (國統會) and drafted a "National Unification Guideline" (國統綱領) to dictate the game rules for the cross-strait relationship. His moves were harshly criticized by the DPP.
However, it was precisely his innovative political language that ushered the cross-strait relationship into a period of stabilization during the past 10 years.
Lee's policy of "no hurry, be patient"
When Lee was implementing his policies, not many people understood his intentions. Therefore it should not be surprising at all that he was harshly condemned.
The curtain has fallen on Lee's era. Lee's good intentions and efforts, despite how he has been misunderstood, make him a role-model for all Taiwan's future leaders. As Lee leaves the spotlight, it is about time for Taiwan society to give him some well-deserved credit.
Chen Fang-ming is a professor at National Chi-nan University.
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