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Chuang Kuo-jung won't take blame for DPP failure

Ministry of Education Secretary-General Chuang Kuo-jung (莊國榮), who rose to fame for his caustic criticism of the pan-blue camp during the renaming of the square in front of the National Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall, yesterday rejected suggestions that his radical behavior contributed to the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) defeat in Saturday's legislative elections.

Chuang placed most of the blame on the new electoral system and "rampant vote-buying," but did not implicate any party directly.

During the evolution of a democracy, Chuang said, there will be disaffection among those with vested interests. He said one should insist on doing what is right and not be swayed by election results, as this was the key to ensuring that Taiwan would have an even more democratic future, rather than regressing to the authoritarian era, when human rights were trodden upon.

Chuang, with his trademark silver-rimmed glasses and unkempt hair, told reporters in a loud voice: "I will never waver from my beliefs. I will continue to fight for Taiwan's democracy."

Chuang said he did not fear losing his job, because a "brave man has no fear."

He said renaming Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall was the right thing to do and that those who still pined for the dictator Chiang Kai-shek (蔣介石) "will be spat upon by generations to come."

The former professor became a household name last month during the controversy that surrounded the renaming of the hall. While some dubbed him the DPP's newest "hit man," pan-green supporters heralded him for his courage in speaking up in the face of a storm of criticism from Chiang devotees.

Vice President Annette Lu (呂秀蓮), however, on more than one occasion criticized Chuang and his boss, Minister of Education Tu Cheng-sheng (杜正勝), for their handling of the controversy. She urged Tu to apologize to the public for offending many by botching the renaming process.

Tu refused to comment on Lu's criticism yesterday, saying he would bow out when the Cabinet resigns on Jan. 28.

Additional reporting by CNA
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