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President puts career on the line over donations

President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) yesterday broke his silence on allegations surrounding a NT$10 million donation to his 2000 election campaign by former Tuntex boss, now wanted fugitive Chen Yu-hao (陳由豪) saying that he would never let issues of public policy be overridden by the special interests of a donor.

"I am the president and will do what is best for the public. I will not take care of the interests of one person just because a financial contribution was made," Chen said.

The president went on to describe the nature of his relationship with Chen Yu-hao.

"I knew Chen Yu-hao back in the 1970s when I was a lawyer and he was my client. He was also my senior in high school and university, and we both hail from Tainan," he said.

"We only met for work-related matters, but never met privately at my place of residence," the president said.

In addition, Chen Shui-bian voiced his opinion with regards to the management of the president's personal assets. "In Taiwan, there is a legal choice as to whether to hold the president's personal assets in trust or to report it to the Control Yuan" he said. I am not opposed to making it compulsory that a president's personal assets be held in trust if that is what the majority wants," he said.

Earlier in the day Chen issued a a statement, read by Presidential Office spokesman James Huang (黃志芳), in which he said "If I have taken any illegal donation in my life, I will resign immediately."

Chen Yu-hao (陳由豪) released three letters to the media claiming that Chen Shui-bian and core members of his staff had received donations from Tuntex.

On Tuesday, the DPP admitted that it received NT$10 million from Chen Yu-hao in 2000, but said the donation was legal.

The KMT accepted NT$100 million from Chen Yu-hao that same year.

The pan-blue alliance and some media have continued to question the relationship between the president and Chen Yu-hao and other business tycoons.

In a statement read by Huang yesterday, Chen Shui-bian defended his integrity as well as that of his family members, saying he holds himself to the highest standard.

"The president does not allow any flaw in his integrity. The opposition parties have made many accusations during past elections that have ultimately been proved false," Chen Shui-bian said.

Chen Shui-bian stressed that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which has no party-run companies, relies on civil donations every election, and that donations from companies will not influence policy-making.

Chen Shui-bian said the DPP would mobilize grassroots forces to assist with passing the Political Donation Law before the end of the month.

"These so-called `sunshine laws' have been put aside at the Legislative Yuan. Now we must seek power from the civil sector and public opinion to push for the legislation," he said.

"Even if the Political Donation Law (政治獻金法) and other acts to realize a mechanism to scrutinize political operations are blocked by other parties, I and all members of the DPP will set an example," he said.

Also see story:
Donation skullduggery denied
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