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Election crucial to future

I share my sentiments with your editorial ("If you want Hong Kong, elect the KMT," Aug. 18, page 8). Similarly, I hope that the messages of President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) and former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝)would register as a serious reminder and warning for Taiwanese voters ("Chen, Lee warn of conservative forces' return," Aug. 17).While Taiwanese could do little, at this point in time, to alter China's authoritarian regime, the people of Taiwan have to seriously consider the impact of a drastic change in their lifestyle should they elect a pro-unification candidate in the presidential election seven months down the line.

Do Taiwanese want a passport bearing the name People's Republic of China on the cover, with Taipei or Kaoshiung listed as the provinces of birth on the first page?

Do Taiwanese want to see their favorite variety shows or drama serials being taken off the air for the simple argument that it goes against the conservative views and policies of the Chinese?

Are Taiwanese prepared for the abolishment of the freedoms which they have become accustomed to since Lee became president in 1988?

Do Taiwanese want a restriction on the level of information accessible by them via the internet or mass media?

Most importantly, would the 23 million Taiwanese want to have a chief executive who merely acts according to the whims and fancies of the Chinese government, with little or absolute no regard for the interests of the Taiwanese people?

All these scenarios are not hypothetical in nature. These scenarios would become a reality if voters do not elect a candidate who is prepared to fight for the cause and interests of Taiwan.

Taiwan needs a leader with clear convictions and not someone who is constantly shifting his stand on certain issues. Contrary to Chen's firm and consistent stance of not subjugating Taiwan's status to China, both KMT Chairman Lien Chan (連戰) and PFP Chairman James Soong (宋楚瑜) have hinted that they would be more than happy to be known as chief executive and vice chief executive of a Taiwan Special Administrative Region, should they win the polls next March.

If they claim this scenario is the most ideal for the Taiwanese people, they should support Chen's idea of a referendum to indicate the wishes of the people on the complicated issue of `one country, two systems' or `two countries, separate systems.'

After all, in any democratic country, the people's voice should prevail over the interests of leaders with a personal agenda.

Lien has easily and conveniently shifted his aggressive criticisms of Soong from March 2000 to the praise he now sings for his former presidential rival these days.

On that note, how could Taiwanese not doubt that upon winning the presidency, Lien would praise the communist leadership of China as the ideal mode of leadership for Taiwan?

History does not lie. Hong Kong today is no longer the same as it was before 1997. Unlike their Hong Kong neighbors, Taiwanese do have a say in their future.

As a political observer, I feel that the destiny of Taiwan is now at stake. With their ballot, the people of Taiwan will decide if they want a pro-China chief executive or pro-Taiwanese president.

For the future of Taiwan, I do hope that the latter is the choice. However, like China, I have no say in the country's future. The country's fate is in the hands of the voters.

A wise choice is needed, otherwise there would be no turning back, as China is likely to manipulate a pro-unification chief executive into turning Taiwan into Hong Kong No. 2.

How sad that would be, considering how hard Lee has worked in building a sovereign state like Taiwan. And, to say the least, Chen is currently working hard to maintain the sovereign status of the country.

However, Chen needs the confidence and support of his people, via their votes. Chen's win would be a victory for the Taiwanese.

Jason Lee Boon Hong
Singapore
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