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Presidential Office releases preface of Chen's new book

In the preface of President Chen Shui-bian's (陳水扁) new book, he said that the "rotation of political parties" in Taiwan has resulted in only a nominal democracy, and there is still a long way to go before real democracy is achieved.

The Presidential Office yesterday morning released the preface of Chen's new book, entitled The Premier Voyage of the Century (世紀首航), which is expected to appear on bookshelves today.

Chen said that the so-called "Taiwan spirit" is like a lighthouse that guides Taiwan's 23 million people in their voyage forward.

"I am not lonely when I'm with the people," President Chen wrote, adding that only the power of the Taiwanese people can lead the nation to a brighter future.

According to Chen, he has had mixed emotions during his more than one year in office, with society examining the DPP government's every move according to the strictest standards.

Chen also explained why he chose Li Yuan-zu (李元簇) -- a senior advisor to the president and former vice president -- to attend the APEC summit in Shanghai on his behalf.

According to Chen, Li was a political figure surrounded by little controversy. He also knew the wisdom of being silent when necessary and was the best candidate for the APEC summit.

As for media criticism that Chen was using his new book to attack his political enemies and to draw attention to the DPP in a bid to win more seats in the year-end elections, officials at the Presidential Office said that the purpose of the book was to share Chen's thoughts with the public and was not related to electoral politics.

Meanwhile, People First Party Chairman James Soong (宋楚瑜) yesterday condemned Chen for attacking opposition politicians. According to Soong, he never asked his supporters to force former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) to step down as chairman of the KMT -- as Chen stated in the book. Soong also demanded an apology from Chen.
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