The current state of political development in Taiwan greatly saddens and angers me. As my closest friend, a Taiwanese, also shares the same passion of Asian politics, I find myself deeply immersed in Taiwan's recent political turmoil.
As a foreigner, I also believe that I am probably in the best position to comment and express my sentiments towards the recent "Depose A-bian" campaign with a uniquely outside view.
I do not deny the fact that I feel emotional inclined toward President Chen Shui-bian (
It is a fact that since the 2000 presidential elections, the world has started to notice Taiwan for the various developments it has made in industries like tourism, electronic engineering and entertainment. This brings both hopes and fears to Taiwanese.
With a gradual deregulation of the media, Taiwan's TV shows and tourism industry have reaped the benefits. With record numbers of tourists flocking to Taiwan and the high quality and quantity of media and entertainment programs available to the world. This has proved to be a catalyst in benefitting Taiwan's economy. This has given hope to the common Taiwanese.
But the constant conflicts between rival political parties and on cross-strait issues has drawn skepticism in both investment and business, resulting in a faltering economy and an under-performing government.
With the seemingly never ending political conflict, former Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) chairman Shih Ming-teh (
This campaign talks of being an unbiased movement against the president for his family's involvement in recent financial scandals. Shih's agenda may be groundless. However, without concrete and definite answers, it lacks credibility.
He is riding on the skepticism and worries of many Taiwanese about the lack of economic and social improvement. These sentiments and their influence are increased by the what I can only describe as the local media, which believes "negative coverage equals higher viewer and readership."
I am not in a position to judge whether the president should resign or be deposed based on the evidence and allegations currently available. However, if one cannot trust and believe in the legitimacy of law and justice, how do we expect rights and wrong to be justified? How do we prevail in the era of uncertainty?
Ron Wu
Singapore
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