Former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) yesterday blamed Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) for the city's shortage of water, saying water resources intended for use by households had been diverted to electricity generation.
Lee also reiterated his support for President Chen Shui-bian (
Without using Ma's name, the ex-president urged "the leader" in the city government to apologize to the public for the mistakes he had made in managing the drought.
PHOTO: CHIANG YING-YING, TAIPEI TIMES
"Politicians should not just know how to jog in shorts," Lee said in a meeting with reporters, apparently referring to Ma, who goes jogging every morning, frequently with the media present.
Lee told reporters the reason Taipei residents had no water this year was not because of the drought, because drought happens all the time. "It is because officials are attempting to make money by using large amounts of water to generate electricity," he said.
When the Feitsui Reservoir was designed during his time as Taipei mayor, Lee said, the claim was made that Taipei citizens would have a reliable source of water for 100 years. Experience over the years proved the statement to be true, he said.
"Besides, the entire city was soaked in water last year after Typhoon Nari. How come we have no water after just a few months?" Lee asked.
He urged the Control Yuan to investigate the matter and for the media to cover the issue thoroughly. He added that the media had been too lenient on Ma following the devastating typhoon last year.
Responding to the accusations, Ma said Lee had misunderstood the situation and that water used for electricity generation could subsequently be used by households.
Four years ago and with Lee's backing, Ma won the mayoral election by beating Chen, the DPP candidate. But relations between Lee and Ma turned sour after Lee was dismissed by the KMT in September last year.
Lee also spoke about his relationship with the president and his thoughts about Chen's offer last week of sending a DPP delegation to China for talks.
Lee said he often felt amused when the media questioned his relationship with Chen.
The ex-president said he regarded Chen's performance over the past two years very highly, because he had brought hope to the people. He said he would support Chen all the way.
Lee said he had offered Chen timely assistance but that he knew there were limits.
"It is like parents teaching their children. You have to just let them do it by providing them with ample space," he said.
Regarding Chen's offer last week to send a high-level DPP delegation to China, Lee said he applauded Chen for his brave remarks.
"It is the right tactic because to speak is better than to not speak," Lee said.
In terms of cross-strait relations, Lee said, the country will say what is needed, but it's up to Beijing to see how much relations can be improved.
"We always put the ball in their court," he said.
But Lee disagreed with Chen's likening the TSU to the New Party, a pro-unification party that has almost collapsed nine years after its founding.
"The New Party sought to consolidate the forces of the ruling class. [A party with this purpose] is destined to fail. But the TSU is different," he said.
"The pro-Taiwan principle has become more and more accepted in society. It will not be difficult for the TSU to grow and prosper."
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