Two days ahead of a vote in the legislature on whether he should be recalled, President Chen Shui-bian (
"Taiwan is a nascent democracy. Like most young democratic countries, we have run into many difficulties in the process of transforming from an authoritarian regime to a democracy," he said.
Chen said the nation's obstacles included resistance in the legislature, media and intelligence agencies.
PHOTO: CNA
Chen said that because Taiwan was not a normal country, he was an easy target for opposition parties to blame.
"But when I think of the 23 million people of Taiwan, I simply cannot give up. I must go on," he said. "For the sake of the country, its democracy, the sustainable development of the economy, cross-strait stability and social justice, I am willing to pay the price, bear the cross of persecution and even sacrifice myself."
Chen made the remarks yesterday morning while visiting the Huei-an Temple in his hometown in Tainan County.
He stopped at two temples yesterday, and visited his mother.
Chen told his supporters at Huei-an Temple that the temple trips arranged for Saturday and yesterday were to pray for the well-being of the 23 million people of Taiwan, and not for himself.
Especially with typhoon season approaching, Chen said that he prayed that everybody would be safe.
Since the change of government six years ago, he said, his political opponents have been trying to do everything they can to unseat him, including a recall proposal six months into his presidency. Fortunately, he weathered the political crisis and was re-elected in 2004 despite an assassination attempt.
"My life continues through Heaven's mercy. It does not belong to myself or any member of my family," he said. "I know democracy is not an easy road, but for the sake of freedom, human rights and peace, I will be strong and brave to lead the 23 million people of Taiwan to continue down the democratic road."
Chen said that the fate of Taiwanese people had been marred by hardship, but for a better future of the homeland and people, everybody has been willing to bear the burden, and so was he.
"I come from a poor family and I have always had to work extra hard to get what I want. I am a hanjigia [蕃薯仔, Hoklo for "son of the sweet potato," or "native son"] like everybody else. Please continue to support me and I promise I will not let you down," he said.
The legislature is set to vote on the recall motion tomorrow.
The motion is considered unlikely to pass, given the high threshold required -- it must win two-thirds support in the legislature before a nationwide referendum can be held.
A new political atmosphere is likely to emerge after tomorrow's legislative vote as Chen has proposed to push for political consultations with the opposition and talks with China after the vote on his recall.
Vice President Annette Lu (
Democratic Progressive Party Chairman Yu Shyi-kun also said he was planning to visit the leaders of the two main opposition parties after the legislative vote.
The Central Weather Administration at 5:30am today issued a land warning for Typhoon Bavi, which is expected to have its greatest impact on Taiwan from this evening through tomorrow. As of 8am, the eye of Bavi was about 700km east of Oluanpi (鵝鑾鼻), Taiwan's southernmost point, and was moving northwest at 25kph, the CWA said. The storm was packing maximum sustained winds of 162kph, with gusts of up to 198kph, the weather agency said, adding that Bavi had a storm radius of about 380km. Rainfall is expected to increase in mountainous areas of northern, central and southern Taiwan later today, with the heaviest
Taiwan tied for first with five golds at the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) held in Colombia this year, showcasing high school physics prowess. The team, led by National Taiwan Normal University physics professor Chen Chuan-Ren (陳傳仁), was represented by five students, who were chosen from 2,361 students nationwide via multiple selections to receive pre-competition training. Competing with 381 participants from 91 countries, all five students won a gold medal for Taiwan. Other countries earning five golds included China, India, Kazakhstan, South Korea and Russia. One of the five Taiwanese, Chien Kuo High School (CKHS) student Wu Ssu-chien (吳思謙) said he has enjoyed studying
WIDESPREAD CANCELATIONS: Airline and ferry operators have canceled a number of journeys following the issue of a sea warning, with a land warning also expected today Airlines and ferry operators yesterday announced widespread service changes as Typhoon Bavi approaches Taiwan, with authorities urging travelers to monitor updates and avoid nonessential trips to outlying islands. The Central Weather Administration issued a sea warning for Bavi at 2:30pm yesterday and is expected to issue a land warning early today if the typhoon maintains its projected path and speed. AIR TRAVEL Starlux Airlines said flights scheduled from yesterday through Sunday could be rescheduled or canceled, and urged passengers to check the latest flight information before heading to the airport. Tigerair Taiwan said due to safety concerns, yesterday’s IT232 Taoyuan-Naha and IT289 Naha-Kaohsiung flights
Beijing has been offering subsidized trips to China’s Xinjiang region for Taiwanese teachers as part of efforts to influence teachers and, indirectly, students, a government official said yesterday. With China subsidizing the trips, the teachers only need to pay a NT$4,000 registration fee for an eight-day, seven-night tour that includes accommodation and meals, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Participants risk having their personal information collected and their social networks monitored by Chinese authorities, the official said. Chinese authorities are offering separate summer exchange programs targeting Taiwanese teachers and students, with the student program including study-related activities, they
RSS