Former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) yesterday introduced a new political association to the public, with the stated aim of deepening democracy in the country, which he said had fallen victim to ideology and partisan warfare.
Lee said the Lee Teng-hui Democracy Association (李登輝民主協會) was established to point out the flaws of the government and speak out for the people.
Bemoaning the fact that no progress has been made since 2000, Lee said the nation desperately needed a new wave of reform to deepen its democracy. Such reform initiatives should cover the areas of democracy, politics, education, the judiciary and spirit, he said.
PHOTO: LO PEI-DER, TAIPEI TIMES
During his 12-year presidency, Lee said his policy was to transform the country from an authoritarian state to a democracy and he was glad that goal was achieved with the help of the people.
Although Taiwan saw two transfers of power in 2000 and 2008, Lee said moral decline and cultural retrogression since then has become a major problem.
Lee said many people believe the two changes of government have made Taiwan’s democracy healthier and more mature, but in reality the two political camps have been engaged in virulent partisan competition at the expense of national interest and public well-being.
“People must vote the government out of power if it does a bad job,” he said. “People are the real masters of the country and it makes perfect sense for a master to change his servant if he cannot do his job properly.”
Lee urged the government to reach out to the opposition and seek consensus on national identity. As it will take a long time to resolve the complex issue of Taiwan’s statehood, he also urged politicians to handle political matters rationally and be tolerant of different ideologies and political positions.
Criticizing the government’s economic policy, Lee said it not only failed to address the unemployment problem, but also adopted a hands-off approach in managing China-bound investment and appeared not to care about the hardships the public is facing.
Lee also questioned China’s sincerity following its recent promises to help Taiwan sign free-trade agreements with other countries if Taipei signs an economic cooperation framework agreement (ECFA).
“It never means what it says and will lie if that serves its purposes,” he said.
Tadae Takubo, vice chairman of Friends of the Lee Teng-hui Association in Japan, expressed concern over the government’s China-friendly policy, saying Tokyo could not afford to ignore such a disturbing development.
“Taiwan’s attitude toward Japan, the US and China plays a significant role in the shifting military balance in the Asia-Pacific region,” he said.
The Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association has cautioned Japanese travelers to be vigilant against pickpockets at several popular tourist spots in Taiwan, including Taipei’s night markets, the Yongkang Street area, Zhongshan MRT Station, and Jiufen (九份) in New Taipei City. The advisory, titled “Recent Development of Concerns,” was posted on the association’s Web site under its safety and emergency report section. It urges travelers to keep backpacks fully zipped and carried in front, with valuables placed at the bottom of the bag. Visitors are advised to be especially mindful of their belongings when taking photos or speaking on the phone, avoid storing wallets and
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