Critics say Lu's book untimely

Vice President Annette Lu (呂秀蓮), a source of much contention at the Presidential Office, has started another controversy as the first state leader to release a book whilst still in office.

Although the vice president has said that the new book aims to convey her advice to the government, political analysts and government officials do not believe her book would necessarily meet its aim.

While displaying their appreciation for Lu's devotion and her heartfelt concern to the country, most considered the release of the book "untimely."

"It is unwise for any politician to release a book while they still hold office, and it is especially inappropriate for the vice president to do so in light of the fact that the Presidential Office has been overwhelmed by the strained relationship between the two leaders," said Chin Heng-wei (金恆煒), editor in chief of Contemporary Monthly.

"At a time when relations between President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) and Lu are at a low ebb, any remarks made by Lu at the moment tend to trigger unnecessary speculations and tension," Chin said.

The book, The true words to Taiwan -- the first year of Vice President Annette Lu (台灣良心話 -- 呂副總統的第一年), which sparked heated discussions in political circles even before its launch, was officially released yesterday.

Last week, Lu stirred up a veritable media frenzy because in the book she says that her difficult situation in the government was only natural because both the media and presidential aides have treated her like "an alien."

At a press conference for the release of her book yesterday, Lu said she was surprised to learn how the media had, once again, manipulated her simple remarks and turned them into another war of words.

Often criticized for failing to hold her tongue, the vice president yesterday defended herself and said it was almost impossible to be a "voiceless vice president" because she is asked to speak publicly on so many occasions. Lu also maintains that all her comments were made for the benefit of the country.

While recognizing Lu's capability and brilliance as a head of state, officials at the Presidential Office did not endorse the timing of the release of the book.

"Lu's concern for the country is highly appreciated, yet there are other avenues in which to make her opinions heard.

"She can speak to her heart's content to the president, but preferably in private.

It demonstrates her shortcomings in political sensitivity when she detailed internal frictions [in the Presidential Office] in the open," said an official at the Presidential Office, who requested anonymity.

The book compiles 27 speeches made by the vice president over the past year featuring a variety of subjects concerning human rights, domestic politics, Taiwan's international standing, as well as cross-strait relations.

But what has sparked furor is the opening chapter -- Lu's interview with the political journalist Hsia Chen (夏珍).

One year after becoming the first female vice president in Taiwan's history, Lu apparently is not enjoying her prestigious status, and there are incessant rumors that she and the president have such a strained relationship that Lu is virtually cold-shouldered when it comes to government operations.

In the interview -- without seeking to quash such talk as hearsay -- Lu, on the contrary, bluntly revealed her discontent about being sidelined.