TSU promotes own wide-ranging referendum bill

The TSU yesterday unveiled its own version of referendum bill that would allow the people to decide the nation's political status, among other public policy issues, through a popular vote.

The fledgling party called a news conference to introduce the bill and urged the ruling DPP to back the legislation in line with the spirit of democracy.

The bill, unlike the one proposed by DPP lawmaker Trong Chai (蔡同榮), would allow the people to vote on proposed changes to the national flag, anthem, and territory, if such a ballot is deemed desirable, TSU legislative leader Lo Chih-ming (羅志明) said.

He added that such legislation should not be applied to tax, budget, and personnel issues.

"I hope the DPP will back our bill, and we will endorse the appointees for Examination Yuan leadership positions in return," Lo said.

TSU lawmaker Chien-Lin Whei-jun (錢林慧君) echoed the call, adding that the party would sponsor a series of forums nationwide in the hope of winning public support for the legislation.

Chai, who has sought unsuccessfully to pass the legislation, quickly threw his weight behind the bill. His own version would limit the vote to non-controversial issues only.

But the DPP said it would withhold its support from the legislation on grounds it is at odds with President Chen Shui-bian's (陳水扁) effort to preserve political stability at home and across the Strait.

Ker Chien-ming (柯建銘), the DPP caucus leader, said he was surprised the TSU would propose such legislation, calling it "unacceptable."

He noted that the president has made clear he would not touch the sovereignty issue during his term as head of state.

Ker said he would soon meet with TSU lawmakers and ask them to quit pushing the legislation. He said the DPP would uphold Chai's version.