Former premier and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential hopeful Frank Hsieh (
Called "Taiwan Reform -- Trust and Accomplishment," Hsieh vowed to reform the country's political, cultural and economic landscape if elected.
"Politics is an expansion of trust, and reforms should begin with a change in political culture. Politicians should tell the truth, take responsibility and keep their promises," he told a press conference at the Grand Hotel in Taipei.
Amid cheers of "Frank Hsieh, go for the presidency!" and "Taiwan Reform!" from about 200 supporters, Hsieh said he expected the DPP -- as the ruling party -- to fulfill public expectations and vowed to make Taiwan a "normal country" with dignity, prosperity and substantial development.
"The DPP has to appreciate the public's support and expectations and strive for greater national development. Otherwise, the public would turn its back on us," he added.
Lee Hung-hsi (
"Hsieh has devoted his efforts to promoting Taiwanese reforms and democracy all these years, unlike somebody, who is against democracy and would do anything just to be elected president," Lee said, urging the crowd to vote the DPP to power again next year.
When asked if he supported other DPP hopefuls, including Premier Su Tseng-chang (
Hsieh will hold another campaign rally tomorrow in Kaohsiung.
Registration for the DPP primary will be held from Monday to Friday.
The DPP's primary rule states party members' votes will count for 30 percent of a candidate's score, while a public opinion poll would make up the remaining 70 percent.
The candidate who receives the highest total score would be selected as the party's representative in next year's presidential election.
POLAM KOPITIAM CASE: Of the two people still in hospital, one has undergone a liver transplant and is improving, while the other is being evaluated for a liver transplant A fourth person has died from bongkrek acid poisoning linked to the Polam Kopitiam (寶林茶室) restaurant in Taipei’s Far Eastern Sogo Xinyi A13 Department Store, the Ministry of Health and Welfare said yesterday, as two other people remain seriously ill in hospital. The first death was reported on March 24. The man had been 39 years old and had eaten at the restaurant on March 22. As more cases of suspected food poisoning involving people who had eaten at the restaurant were reported by hospitals on March 26, the ministry and the Taipei Department of Health launched an investigation. The Food and
The long-awaited Taichung aquarium is expected to open next year after more than a decade of development. The building in Cingshui District (清水) is to feature a large ocean aquarium on the first floor, coral display area on the second floor, a jellyfish tank and Dajia River (大甲溪) basin display on the third, a river estuary display and restaurant on the fourth, and a cafe and garden on the fifth. As it is near Wuci Fishing Port (梧棲漁港), many are expecting the opening of the aquarium to bring more tourism to the harbor. Speaking at the city council on Monday, Taichung City Councilor
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