President stresses need to reform

President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) yesterday reminded DPP members that reform is the party's primary responsibility, adding that the transfer of power would have amounted to nothing if the party fails to achieve that goal.

The DPP chairman stated at the party's administrative reform seminar that policy change is necessary if people are to feel the DPP is different from its predecessor.

The DPP's two-day seminar, which focuses on national security, internal affairs, economy, education, social welfare and public construction, began yesterday with the president's keynote address. Participants include top government officials and DPP leaders.

In the opening ceremony, the president stressed his resolve to reform, saying the party has never shirked its responsibility because it is the major duty mandated by the people and a historic mission bestowed upon the party.

Citing the example on how the Executive Yuan lowered the interest rate on student loans this week, Chen said the government can win the public's support by paying more attention to how policy changes are implemented.

He said the price to be paid for reform is criticism, denunciation and resistance. But despite these challenges, Chen said, the government must stand for its beliefs.

According to Chen, administrators should examine themselves when opinions differ to avoid provoking public resentment.

The president told officials at the seminar that they should be equipped with confidence and resolve on reform and that thorough preparations and planning are equally important.

"We need to avoid failing public expectations due to flaws in execution," he said.

The task of reform is complicated and will come with challenges, the president said.

"The work of reform is like a marathon race. Participants who wish to reach the destination require not only endurance and a strong will, but they have to adjust their pace in accordance with the changes of environment," said Chen, who has taken up jogging.

Another aim of the weekend meeting is to synchronize party and political affairs and further the mechanism introduced in July when Chen took over as party chairman.

Chen said the plan was only partially working half a year after being initiated. The DPP needs to work on giving members more opportunities to exchange views and to fully understand policies, he said.

Equally important is the role of lawmakers and county magistrates.

The president said he hoped that DPP lawmakers and local administrators will help the government to map out polices that are in the interests of the grassroots.