Print

Mail

wiki links

Chen says sorry to top academic

President Chen Shui-bian, center, chats with Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng, left, yesterday during the Academia Sinica's 27th Biennial Convocation of Academicians. The event marked the first time Academia Sinica President Lee Yuan-tseh, right, has met Chen since criticizing him over a recent string of corruption scandals. PHOTO: CHEN TSE-MING, TAIPEI TIMES

President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) yesterday issued another public apology for his scandal-plagued administration's performance, addressing his mea culpa to an influential Nobel Prize winner, saying he would do better during the remainder of his term.

Chen apologized to outgoing Academia Sinica President Lee Yuan-tseh (李遠哲) for letting him down, and promised to live up to the expectations of Lee and the public during the next two years.

"A-bian [Chen refers to himself in the third person by his nickname] apologizes in particular to President Lee [Yuan-tseh] because I failed to improve conditions in the public and private spheres," Chen said. "I not only let President Lee [Yuan-tseh] down but also let the people down. Both the administration and I must reflect and make adjustments accordingly."

Chen made the remarks yesterday morning while addressing the opening ceremony of the 27th Biennial Convocation of Academicians. Chen's remark was widely seen as a response to a statement Lee made before the legislature's failed attempt to recall the president.

"I not only let President Lee [Yuan-tseh] down but also let the people down."

President Chen Shui-bian

Lee issued a statement on June 25, criticizing the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration for having "limited achievements, but abundant corruption scandals." Lee also told Chen that introspection was the best way to put a halt to criticism.

Yesterday marked the first time the two met after the failed recall vote on June 27.

Lee, who presided over yesterday's convocation for the last time in his decade-long term, will be replaced in October by the director of the Genomics Research Center, Wong Chi-huey (翁啟惠).

Because Lee has been assigned by Chen to coordinate various reform projects over the years, the president yesterday said that he felt sorry to put Lee in a difficult position, because Lee had to endure unnecessary distress and unfair criticism lodged by the opposition parties.

"For the next two years, A-bian is determined to thoroughly reflect on himself, push for a wide range of reform and continue to delegate powers to ranking officials of the government and the party," he said.

"A-bian will also devote himself to stabilizing the political climate, promoting ethnic harmony and enhancing social unity," he said.

Chen also promised to offer "unconditional assistance" to the institution in its effort to obtain five hectares of land from the Ministry of National Defense for an expansion project.

Chen said that Lee visited him last Friday and hoped that he would help him in this regard.

In addition to giving his personal support, Chen yesterday called on Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng (王金平) to convince both the ruling and opposition parties to support the institution's plan.

Describing Lee as his "teacher and friend," Chen complimented Lee's contribution to both the institution and the country over the years.

"President Lee [Yuan-tseh] is someone who sees himself as having a historic mission, is persistent in ideals and beliefs and consistently adopts high standards for himself. All of these deserve our emulation," he said.

The advice Lee offered on major policy issues has been enlightening and the expectations Lee has for Chen and his administration make him realize that he has to humbly listen to the voice of the people, Chen said.

When asked to comment on Chen's apology, Lee told reporters after Chen's speech that the public is watching whether Chen will deliver his promises.

When asked whether he was also watching, Lee replied "of course."
This story has been viewed 2172 times.