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Koo joins DPP's 'Walk Against the Wind'

Former senior adviser to the president Koo Kwan-min, third right, and supporters of Democratic Progressive Party presidential candidate Frank Hsieh hold hands during a rally for Hsieh at the DPP election headquarters in Kaohsiung City yesterday. PHOTO: CNA

Former senior presidential adviser Koo Kwang-ming (辜寬敏) put on his walking shoes in Kaohsiung City yesterday as he took part in a walk organized by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Frank Hsieh (謝長廷) camp.

Dubbed "The Walk Against the Wind," the march -- spanning 500km from the southern tip of the nation to its northernmost point -- started on Saturday and is expected to reach Taipei City, its final destination, on Feb. 28.

Event leader Teng Li-chun (鄧麗君), chairwoman of the National Youth Commission, also heads Hsieh's youth division.

Teng said the walk -- which will be entirely done by foot -- was a demonstration of the love Taiwanese have for their country.

Cable TV showed the 82-year-old Koo, a staunch proponent of Taiwanese independence, walking briskly among young supporters.

Koo attributed his motivation to participate in the walk to the zeal he saw in youths.

He said he had joined the walk to show his resolve to protect Taiwan from falling into the wrong hands.

"The people must understand the importance of checks and balances in a democratic system. Taiwanese must become their own leader and decide their own future," he said.

He also urged voters not to vote for Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) in the presidential election next month.

Former DPP chairman Yu Shyi-kun also joined the event yesterday, saying he would complete the entire walk.

Freddy Lim (林昶佐), the lead singer from the homegrown heavy metal rock band Chthonic, also joined the walk.
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