Tang Fei back in the spotlight to promote new book

More than a month after Tang Fei (唐飛) stepped out of the political limelight, the former premier made his first public appearance yesterday at a press conference to promote his new book, appearing robust, happy and in good spirits.

"The title of the book Tang Fei -- In a Critical Era, (唐飛 -- 在關鍵年代裡) can be interpreted in two ways," said Premier Chang Chun-hsiung (張俊雄).

"First of all, Tang headed the Cabinet in the government formed after the first transfer of power in Taiwan's history. Moreover, the Cabinet under his leadership had to face a legislature where the opposition was in an overwhelming majority. I admired his courage in taking up the post at that pivotal moment and I considered the days when I worked for him as his deputy to be a precious learning experience," said Chang.

Chang said that although Tang was the shortest-serving premier in Taiwan's political history, being in office for only 137 days, his contribution deserved the appreciation of the public, because as premier he always put the country's interests ahead of his own.

Former New Party lawmaker Jaw Shao-kang (趙少康) -- now the chairman of UFO radio station -- said that it does not matter how long a politician is in office, what is more valuable is how much respect the body politic receives when he is in charge and how much he is missed after he has left.

"From this perspective, there is no doubt that Tang was a superb politician," Jaw said.

The 68-year-old Tang, rising gradually from being an air force pilot, stunned the public both when he decided to head up a DPP Cabinet as a 48-year KMT member, as well as when he resigned on Oct. 3 over his conflicting stand with the president concerning the construction of the Fourth Nuclear Power Plant (核四廠).

"I have two dreams in my life. The first one is to study at a university, and the second one is to be able to fly again in my 70s," said the veteran pilot.

Entering an army school at the age of 12 and being a military man most of his life, Tang said he had never had a chance to be a university student. He said he was pleased that this wish was going to come true soon.

"But as for my second dream, it seems it is not likely to be fulfilled, because my wife would never let me," Tang said, drawing laughter from the audience.

Accompanied by his wife, Tang, who recovered from chest surgery in April, is leaving for the US today for a long vacation. Starting from next March, Tang will spend six months at Harvard University as a visiting scholar.