Chen strikes defiant note in Tainan

Two days ahead of a vote in the legislature on whether he should be recalled, President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) yesterday vowed to continue down the road of democracy and reiterated that he was willing to sacrifice himself for Taiwan.

"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.

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 (呂秀蓮) on Saturday expressed the hope of organizing a "blue sky, green ground" tea party after the vote on the recall motion, in the hope of creating a more harmonious political environment.

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.