Sat, Mar 11, 2000 page8

• What does Lee do after election?

  • By Chen Ro-jinn 陳柔縉
  • • 
    • 
    • 

  Former Control Yuan president Chen Li-an's (陳履安) recent open support for KMT presidential candidate Lien Chan (連戰) has encouraged the Lien camp. However, Chen stressed that it was the government, not the party, that should be in charge of cross-strait negotiations. Chen said that many people hope President Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) will hand over his power ahead of schedule -- after all, it is Lien, not Lee, who is bidding for the presidency. Chen said that before Beijing released its recent white paper, Lien had promised Chen that he would preside over cross-strait negotiations himself if elected. As the relationship between Lee and Lien has been tense, Chen's remarks will probably add fuel to the fire.

  Chen spoke out his concern over the fate of the country and strongly expressed his expectations of a "no-Lee era" after the March 18 presidential election. Chen called on the public to recognize the core problem: It is Lien who is running for the presidency. However, Chen seems to overlook the essence of the problem -- if Lien is a kite that flies to the edge of the clouds, then it will be Lee who flies him to those heights.

  Chen said Lee, who has a strong sense of mission, will hold on to his ideas to the last minute. What he has said, as a matter of fact, is compatible with common understanding in Taiwan society. As far as we can see, Lee is saying goodbye to his presidency, not to his power or influence. Although he is nearly 80 years of age, Lee is still healthy and sharp enough to live another decade or two. He wants to be an "elder" instructing government authorities.

  Regarding cross-strait relations, Lee has insisted that the "special state-to-state relationship is the bottom line and declined to give up the "no haste, be patient" policy that runs counter to the Lien-Siew ticket's platforms.

  Let's recall how Lee -- who has a strong will and has no intention of living as a "retiree" after a new president is elected -- chose his successor.

  If he realizes that "every generation has its talents" and is willing to leave political life behind him, why did he choose Lien against public opinion?

  Lien was selected due to his contentment with his lot, his respect for the pecking order and his honesty. Isn't Lee's way of handing over power actually a way to save a place for himself?

  The Mainland Affairs Council recently made two declarations. The first is mild; the second is tough.

  Premier Vincent Siew (蕭萬長) promised to open up Taiwanese insurance investments in China by the end of last year, but later postponed the policy. The pace of the government's cross-strait policies seem to follow Lee's rhythms. The restrictions Lee has imposed on the Lien-Siew ticket's cross-strait policies will not simply be lifted by "Lien Chan being the president" or "the government, not the party, being the negotiator with China."

  Power can be both visible and invisible. Lee will still be in control of the government's policies, unless he is kicked out. I assume, however, that Lien does not have the capability or guts to kick Lee out.

  Chen's remarks have given Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) an excuse to alienate Lee from Lien and to maneuver a "dump Lien to save Chen" effect.

  Indeed, some people around Lien cannot wait to see Lee step down from the political stage, which makes Lee even more vigilant. Whether that will affect his support for Lien is worth our attention.

  But it is certain that the so-called "post-Lee Teng-hui era" will definitely not be "an era without Lee."

  If the KMT wins the election, unless Lien undergoes an unexpected sea change, cross-strait policies will not be presided over by Lien alone.

  Even if Lee's party and Lien's government do not rule the country together, Lien's government will seek harmony with the party through "negotiations."

  If Chen wins the election, the KMT, which is not good at self-criticism, will not force Lee, the party chairman, to resign.

  If Soong is elected, he and his followers will take over the KMT headquarters.

  Chen Ro-jinn is a freelance writer.
• Most Popular

  • 1

    Palmeiras hopes for club cup win

  • 2

    Magnitude 6.4 earthquake hits Hualien County

  • 3

    Hegseth outlines Chinese threat

  • 4

    Taiwan to see nine extended holidays in 2026

  • 5

    Pegatron ranks last in Greenpeace report