NGOs shouldn't cheer too loudly for Chen victory

Although non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have historically had good relations with President-elect Chen Shui-bian's (陳水扁) DPP, social activists yesterday said they would adopt a "wait and see" attitude toward their role in Chen's new government.

"NGOs should be neutral and not take sides in politics," said Sue Wang (王時思), the executive-general of the private Judicial Reform Foundation. "We have to expect ourselves to be professional and not to be affected by politics."

But as Chen's handpicked man for the post of Premier is the head of an NGO and social groups have played a prominent role in forming his presidential platform, it remains to be seen how non-governmental these organizations will remain.

The DPP has traditionally held close ties to social groups.

Academia Sinica President Lee Yuan-tseh (李遠哲), also the convener of the National Alliance for Post-quake Reconstruction, came out in support of Chen the week before the election. Political analysts say the support of Lee -- who Chen later tipped to become Premier in his new administration -- was a major factor in Chen's victory.

Following the election, many NGO representatives came out in support of Chen, saying his record as Taipei mayor showed his commitment to the concerns of social groups.

"Chen often kept his promises on labor policy when he was Taipei mayor," said secretary-general of the Taiwan Labor Front Kuo Kuo-wen (郭國文), immediately following the election. "We expect and believe that he will do a better job than the present government."

The Taiwan Labor Front, the Awakening Foundation, the Committee of Action for the Labor Legislature, and 921 Earthquake Disaster Victims Coalition all said last Sunday that they were very optimistic about Chen's new government, especially the prospects of a Cabinet led by Lee.

"The future lobbying arena for social groups will be the legislature instead of the Cabinet," said Peng Yen-wen (彭渰雯), Secretary-general of prominent women's rights group, The Awakening Foundation.

But NGOs should beware of cozying up too close to the government, critics said.

Prominent social critic Nan Fang-shuo (南方朔) said "[NGOs] shouldn't have to chase after different political parties."

"Social groups should not rely on the government too much," said Chiu Hei-yuan (瞿海源), the leading member of Cheng She (澄社), a liberal scholars' organization.