Following President Chen Shui-bian's (
The first absurdity: Vice President Annette Lu (
Japan surrendered to the Allied forces in August 1945 and Taiwan was restored to the Republic of China (ROC) on Oct. 25 that year. The Constitution, however, underwent a third reading by the National Assembly on Dec. 25, 1946, was promulgated on Jan. 1, 1947 and put into practice on Dec. 25 that year. Obviously, Taiwan was no longer under Japanese rule either during the enactment or practice of the Constitution.
Although a draft constitution was passed on May 5, 1936 when Taiwan was still governed by Japan, the Constitution is based on another draft worked out by the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT), the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and other opposition parties in 1946. The contents of the two draft constitutions are very different, so the 1936 draft constitution is definitely not the blueprint of the current Constitution. Lu's statement shows that she lacks basic knowledge of the Constitution.
The second absurdity: one of Chen's gurus, Lee Hung-hsi (
As a matter of fact, the 1936 constitution was solely drafted by the KMT. The CCP and other parties only participated in the drafting of the other constitution 10 years later.
Besides, as Taiwan was still under Japanese rule in 1936, what did Lee mean by saying that no political parties from Taiwan attended the meetings?
The third absurdity: former president Lee Tung-hui (
The ROC would come to an end if a new constitution is passed to change the name to Taiwan or Republic of Taiwan. However, as long as the UN Security Council still has China as a permanent member, our country will always have difficulty entering the organization -- no matter whether it's under the name ROC or Taiwan. The issue has nothing to do with what we are called.
Lee forced a link between the separate issues of the country's name and its UN bid. Apparently, he is succeeding in fooling the people. Such behavior is not only unethical but also underestimates the wisdom of the Taiwanese.
Heated discussion among people who hold correct and sensible views do not do any harm. But absurd arguments, especially those from bigwigs, cause nothing but a tired sigh. There is no use arguing with them.
Wang Chien-chuang is president of the Journalist magazine.
Translated by Jennie Shih
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