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Chen to leave politics after term ends

President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) yesterday said that this year's presidential election was his final political battle, that he will not contest any future election and will completely leave politics after the current presidential term.

Chen was speaking to a group of Hakka primary students from the Young Elite News Camp at the Presidential Office.

A student asked, "If the court orders a re-election, are you confident of winning one?"

Chen replied: "Will I campaign for another election? I will not run for the presidency again. I've already done that.

"The 2000 and 2004 elections were tough work. I've completed the last election in my life. Regardless of how the situation changes in the future, it is impossible for me to run for election again," he said.

"I'm satisfied to be elected the president."

Chen said campaigning was the most demanding part of his career, and that he advises people who say they would like to run for office that campaigning is definitely not fun.

But, he said, it's human nature to want to run for election, so many things should be well thought out and planned beforehand. Chen said he would neither encourage nor discourage people from seeking office.

The students then asked the president what he would like to do after his term ends.

Chen said he would like to completely retire from the political arena to immerse himself in family life and live a life that belongs to himself. He said he then will be able to spend more time with his grandson "Little An-an" (小安安) (Chao Yi-an, 趙翊安) and with his wife.

Chen also said that he had hoped to become a teacher when he was a child, and that he didn't expect to become a city councilor, legislator, Taipei's mayor and then president.

The president told the students that regardless of their dreams, as long as they study and work hard they won't feel too bad even if their goals are not achieved.

The young reporters asked if Chen will let Little An-an run for the presidency. Chen answered that since this will take at least 38 years, he would not be around, so even if he wanted to help, he will not be able to.

The students asked the president if he likes his job. Chen said he likes his work because it is a job that serves all citizens.

In his political life, Chen said, he has always sought to serve people, and that he treasures every second that he learns something.

"Look the part for what you do; then you will succeed," he advised.
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