Former president Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) yesterday laid down three rules for his participation in Saturday’s protest organized by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and other pro-localization groups.
DPP caucus whip Ker Chien-ming (柯建銘), who visited Chen at his office in Taipei yesterday morning, told reporters after the visit that Chen said he would not leave the demonstration midway, nor was he preparing to speak or use the event to talk about personal matters.
“He promised to attend the event from start to finish and just listen,” Ker said. “He will follow the instructions of the organizers and focus on protesting against President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) and his China-friendly policies.”
The demonstration will target the “one China market,” the downgrading of Taiwan’s sovereignty and an incompetent government.
Asked what Chen would do if he were encouraged to speak, Ker said: “Don’t worry. He already said he is not prepared to speak on stage.”
Ker denied DPP Chairwoman Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) had asked him to talk Chen out of attending the event, adding that not a single DPP member ever proposed that Chen should be barred from participating.
“Nobody can stop him from coming,” Ker said. “Anyone who identifies with the theme of the event is welcome.”
With the protest set to begin at five separate locations, Chen will be at the Ding-Hao Plaza, because it is closer to his residence, Ker said.
DPP Central Standing Committee member Huang Ching-lin (黃慶林), who visited Chen with Ker, said Tsai had not asked him or Ker to convey any messages to Chen.
While the Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU) has said Chen is not welcome on its route, Huang said he had doubts about the TSU’s ability to mobilize a large number of people. He said the association of the friends of former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) has said it would walk with Chen.
Huang dismissed speculation that the protest would turn into a rally in support of Chen, who is embroiled in allegations of money laundering, saying that Chen has promised to follow instructions.
“It will be enough to show how many people oppose Ma, how many people still support A-bian [Chen] and how many people love this land,” Huang said.
Ker said the TSU had no right to decide who should and who should not attend the event. The DPP hopes 1 million people will participate in the demonstration.
Ker said Chen was worried Ma’s China-friendly policies have imperiled the nation’s sovereignty.
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