Two lawmakers launch bid to `revitalize' DPP

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmakers from all factions threw their support yesterday behind a "new DPP movement," a campaign initiated by the party's younger generation.

The campaign is being spearheaded by the Taipei County commissioner candidate Luo Wen-jia (羅文嘉) and former legislator Tuan Yi-kang (段宜康), who feel the party should scrutinize the problems that have developed over the past six years.

The pair also called on the DPP to rekindle its founding spirit and passion, which they said has waned since the party came to power in 2000.

DPP Legislator Lee Wen-chung (李文忠) has launched a signature drive to solicit support for the campaign.

He said about 70 lawmakers have signed so far but expects to do so.

Lee said the lawmakers support the idea of a self-examination because the DPP is a responsible party.

TIME TO REFLECT

"We should all reflect on ourselves, no matter whether we are old or new, civil servants or party members," he said.

He expects to see the party revive its traditional beliefs and core values such as clean reform, Taiwan first and care for the underprivileged.

Lee asked the government to take immediate steps to probe recent allegations of corruption and fully cooperate with prosecutors' investigations.

The government should also adopt both short and long-term policies to stimulate the economy and ensure social justice, he said.

In the face of opposition parties' constant obstruction of government bills and false accusations, Lee said that the government should beef up its efforts to respond more quickly and effectively to such allegations and to promote its legislative proposals.

HAVE FAITH

Lee urged the public to have faith in the DPP because it has achieved a lot in the face of opposition parties's obstruction.

DPP Legislator Wang Sing-nan (王幸男) said the "new DPP movement" is not aimed at severing ties with old DPP members but at getting both old and new members to join the crusade to revitalize the party.

DPP Legislator Lin Yu-sheng (林育生) called on the government to pay more attention to issues concerning people's livelihoods.

Legislator Cheng Yun-peng (鄭運鵬) said that the campaign is aimed at rediscovering the party's "good old days."

TURN THE TIDE

Although he has been disappointed and worried about the government's performance, he said that he hopes to see it implement concrete measures to turn the political tide in the party's favor.

Legislator Lin Cho-shui (林濁水) said that the DPP would risk losing its credibility and support in the long run if it fails to re-examine itself now.

"It is already late to do it, but it's better late than never," he said.

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