Former Singaporean Prime minister Lee Kuan Yew's (
Lee's visit symbolizes a showdown between two sets of values in Asia. Lee represents traditional elite authoritarianism -- along with its fear of the people and distrust of democracy. What he calls "Asian values" is echoed by other authoritarian regimes such as China, Malaysia and Myanmar, which use it as a cover for their violation of the universal values of human rights. In contrast, Taiwan has just come through a peaceful transition of political power, which marks the successful establishment of democracy in this country.
One question for the ruling and opposition parties is what stance should they take toward Lee? Should they dance along to his song of elite authoritarian politics? Or should they use the opportunity to tell Lee, in no unclear terms, not to stand on the wrong side of history?
Taiwan's message should not be merely about unification and independence, or about war and peace across the Taiwan Strait. Rather, it is about the progress of democracy in Asia, including China and Singapore. Democracy is a key to Asia's sustainable development and lasting peace. It is also a pivotal factor in post-Cold War regional order in Asia.
Taiwan's political parties need to listen for the expectations of anti-democratic forces on the issue of Taiwan. But they should also send out a message to Lee that Taiwan fully supports democracy in Asia. They should lead him out of his palace politics dark room, baptize him in democracy, and put him into a dialogue with Taiwan's pro-democracy forces. This is what Taiwan can do for human rights and democracy in Asia.
Taiwan has the responsibility to help promote democracy in Asia. Getting Lee to understand the value of democracy is perhaps the best contribution it can make to Asia.
Lai Yi-chung works for the DPP's representative office in the US.
Translated by Francis Huang
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