Saying that the teachings of Republic of China (ROC) “founding father” Sun Yat-sen (孫逸仙) are the greatest assets of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) and the People First Party (PFP), PFP Chairman James Soong (宋楚瑜) yesterday expressed disapproval of a proposal to remove Sun’s portraits from schools and other public buildings.
Soong, who founded the KMT splinter group after the 2000 presidential election, made the remarks yesterday on the sidelines of an event to remember Sun on the 91st anniversary of his death.
Soong was referring to Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Gao Jyh-peng’s (高志鵬) proposal to abolish a legal requirement to hang a portrait of Sun in public buildings.
Photo: Liao Chen-huei, Taipei Times
In a meeting with president-elect Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Wednesday, Soong said the DPP should recognize the ROC Constitution as a commonly held consensus in the nation and that Sun’s ideals were accepted on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
“The teachings of Sun are the greatest spiritual legacy left to the KMT and the PFP, and both parties should not be too concerned with monetary gains,” Soong said yesterday, adding that while there must be a division between the national coffers and party assets, the DPP should prioritize promoting peace and harmony rather than settling old scores.
Soong said he is a true believer in Sun’s teachings and would seek to implement Sun’s ideals, adding that the tradition of bowing to Sun’s portrait should not be abolished.
Since the KMT came to Taiwan, bowing three times before the national flag and Sun’s portrait during school ceremonies has been a tradition for students in elementary, junior-high and high schools, as well as at governmental organizations during mass gatherings.
DPP legislators recently renewed calls for the removal of Sun’s portraits, saying that there is no legal basis for placing them in the first place, while alleging that Sun’s status as “founding father” was a ploy by former president Chiang Kai-shek (蔣介石) to solidify his own grip on the KMT.
Meanwhile, commenting on rumors that he met with Tsai for a possible job in the government, Soong denied the reports and said he was willing to work with any political party, adding that he views the daily lives of citizens, cross-strait peace and wealth equality as major issues.
“I do not seek any top government position, but I aspire to become a true Chinese that is respected,” Soong said.
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