Former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) continued to lambast KMT chairman Lien Chan (連戰) yesterday, asserting that politicians cannot act on their personal feelings and must instead examine whether their thinking and goals are correct.
Lee made the remarks during a television interview yesterday when asked to comment on his relationship with Lien, which was once widely described as a "father-and-son relationship."
Lien was Lee's hand-picked successor.
Lee said that politicians should direct their attention toward the "issues" facing the country rather than focus on their personal emotions.
"I still have feelings for the KMT, and I also respect some KMT politicians," Lee said, "but the party's leaders decided to change the party line."
Lee stressed that while the KMT, as the biggest party in Taiwan, certainly has the ability to stabilize the country's political situation, its leader instead chose to lead the party toward a direction different than the one followed in the past.
"So it is Lien's -- not the party's -- fault," Lee said.
"Lien once actively advocated `democracy' and `localization' himself, so how dare he criticize those who advocate [these principles] now," Lee said.
During recent interviews on other television programs, Lee has intensified his criticism of Lien, blaming him for betraying Lee's localization efforts.
Lee also reiterated that all his energy during the 12 years of his presidency was devoted to the termination of rule by an "alien regime" and that now as a retiree, he feels he must still try to prevent that "alien regime" from sneaking back into power.
"We have finally been able to elect a Taiwanese as our president," Lee said during campaign rallies for Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU) candidates in Central Taiwan yesterday afternoon.
"Although Taiwanese are now finally able to act as their own masters, some people are trying very hard to humiliate and dominate Taiwan's president," Lee added.
"We can't allow these supporters of the alien regime to defeat us again."
Lien has previously criticized Lee's use of the term "alien regime," asserting that it sets a negative example for the next generation by promoting disharmony between ethnic groups.
Lee took issue with that criticism during yesterday's interview, saying that Lien's reasoning was seriously flawed despite the fact Lien holds a PhD in political science.
"He seems unable to differentiate between the meaning of `regime' and `state.'
"The regime can step down but the state, such as the Republic of China, will remain unchanged," Lee said.
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