President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), senior government officials and dignitaries from the US and Japan yesterday paid tribute to the man who led Taiwan’s transition to democracy, former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝).
Lee, an agricultural economist and politician who devoted his career to building democracy in Taiwan through direct elections and helping create a Taiwanese identity distinct from that of China, passed away on July 30 aged 97.
The main service, held yesterday morning at the chapel of Aletheia University in New Taipei City’s Tamsui District (淡水), was attended by nearly 800 people, including government officials, Lee’s relatives and friends, members of the Presbyterian Church and representatives of foreign governments, including former Japanese prime minister Yoshiro Mori and a delegation led by US Undersecretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment Keith Krach.
Photo: CNA
They wore masks and sat spaced out in pews.
The memorial was also held at two other venues — an auditorium and concert hall at nearby Tamkang Senior High School.
The service was held in accordance with Christian rites — Lee was a Christian — as well as conventions for a deceased president.
Photo: Chien Jung-fong, Taipei Times
Lee, president from 1988 to 2000, shaped the Taiwan of today, Tsai said.
“Confronted with daunting international challenges, he skillfully led the people of Taiwan by promoting pragmatic diplomacy. Taiwan became synonymous with democracy and was catapulted onto the world stage,” Tsai said. “Thanks to his efforts, Taiwan now shines as a beacon of democracy.”
“He was the progenitor of a new era. He led the advancement of Taiwan,” she said, adding that Lee’s life represented the epitome of Taiwan, as the former president had lived through the Japanese colonial era, the period of authoritarianism and then the birth of democracy — of which he was a key figure.
Photo: CNA
“Although Lee has passed away, his spirit will guide successive generations,” Tsai said.
Vice President William Lai (賴清德) and five senior government officials draped the national flag over Lee’s casket after Tsai’s speech.
Former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe and the Dalai Lama also paid tribute to the former president.
Photo: CNA
Lee “planted the roots of democracy and human rights in Taiwan, for which he was praised internationally as ‘Mr Democracy,’ as well as making great contributions to mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and Taiwan,” Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Chief Representative Hiroyasu Izumi read from a eulogy written by Abe.
He “wholeheartedly lamented Lee’s passing,” Abe wrote.
In a video submitted to the memorial service, the Dalai Lama said that he regretted not being able to attend the service in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but he and Lee had been close friends who were genuine with one another.
Photo: CNA
The Dalai Lama admired Lee for “protecting Taiwan’s democracy and freedom, as well as Chinese culture, with all his strength,” he said.
“As a friend, I often recall him fondly, and as a Buddhist, I often pray for him,” he said.
The Dalai Lama also said it was possible that Lee would one day return to Taiwan through reincarnation, which he hoped would happen even if he and Lee were unable to recognize each other after.
Photo: CNA
Lee’s body was cremated on Aug. 14. His ashes are to be put to rest on Oct. 7 at the Wuchihshan Military Cemetery in New Taipei City.
Additional reporting by AP and Reuters
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