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Chen warns of hidden agenda

President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) yesterday criticized the attempt by some political parties to use justice as a ploy to pursue their own political agenda.

"There is room for discussing the ways and means of achieving and pursuing reforms," the president said in his latest weekly e-newsletter yesterday.

"We oppose, however, politicizing such debates ... Nor can we accept any political party or individual that uses justice as a ploy to engage in politicking for the sole purpose of seizing power," he said.

Chen made the remarks in response to two e-mails to the president. The senders voiced their support for Chen in the face of the recent corruption scandals plaguing the president's son-in-law and the opposition-initiated recall motion.

In response, Chen called on the public to refrain from dancing to the tune of the opposition pan-blue alliance and promised to continue to "do the right thing and walk the right way."

"I believe the public will continue to give us their support if we do this," he said.

As a duly elected president, Chen said that he has been exerting himself to promote freedom, democracy, prosperity and stability in the country over the past six years.

"I wanted to make everybody happy, but I'm sorry that I didn't," he said.

Chen said that he considered the presidency a responsibility and not a means to pursue fame or power. He accepted the duties vested in him by the people from the time he took the oath of office on May 20, 2000.

Over the past six years, Chen said that he had been earnestly and diligently carrying out his constitutional duties and that he would not be affected by the recent disturbances.

The president noted that reform is essential in the nation's transition from an authoritarian regime into a democracy. Such reforms cover different areas, including the military, finance, judiciary and the media.

"The past six years have been marred by a tug of war between those promoting reform and those resisting reform," he said. "That is the main reason why the opposition parties have threatened to recall me and cast a no-confidence vote against the premier several times since I came to power in 2000."

Despite the pressure exerted by the opposition parties, Chen said that he still has faith in the judicial system, the democratic process and, more importantly, the people.

"I believe most people have great expectations for reform and entertain great hopes for freedom, democracy, prosperity and justice," he said.

"We do not need to dance to the tune of others and must insist on doing the right thing and walking the right way," he added.
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