Lee Teng-hui pays final respects at CKS tomb

President Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) yesterday conducted his final homage -- as the nation's president -- to former President Chiang Kai-shek (蔣介石) at the late generalissimo's maosoleum in Tzuhu (慈湖), Taoyuan county.

The occasion marked the 25th anniversary of the death of Chiang, who led the KMT on Taiwan for nearly three decades after losing the mainland to the Communists.

But as the KMT is about to hand over power to the DPP, the ceremony also marked what could be the last time for the forseeable future that the country's leadership pays such tribute to Chiang. The former military strongman was widely despised among large sectors of Taiwan's population for his reign, which was autocratic and often brutal.

Analysts said it was obvious that Lee had to go one last time, but that it was unlikely his successor would do the same next year.

"There is a distinction between party and country. Lee went [to Tzuhu] today as a KMT member, not as the country's president. Chiang [Kai-shek] does not represent our country," said political analyst Julian Kuo (郭正亮).

"Nobody knows if Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) will continue such a tradition. But if he doesn't, no speculation is needed. Respecting the national flag and national anthem are better ways to show his respect for our country," Kuo said.