Chen Li-an (陳履安), a former Control Yuan president kicked out of the KMT for his unificationist stance, officially returned to the party yesterday.
At a press conference yesterday morning, Chen encouraged the people of Taiwan to take part in party politics in an effort to save the country from "ruin."
Chen registered his membership at the KMT's division in the Ta-an district of Taipei, accompanied by Chao Shou-po (
PHOTO: CHEN CHENG-CHANG, TAIPEI TIMES
When asked whether his return to the KMT was motivated by the diminishing influence of former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) and the "localization" ideals he advocated, Chen shied away from answering the question directly.
"All the bad old days are gone already. If we recall them, we will be engaged in endless political bickering again" Chen was quoted by local media as saying. "Is it necessary for us to get fully involved in this?"
Asked why he decided to return to the party now, Chen remained evasive.
"People keep asking this question. When I made a call to KMT Chairman Lien Chan (連戰) on Jan. 1, he said, `Pretty good!' And he told me the KMT headquarters would arrange for me to return [to the party]."
Chen lashed out at the media for focusing on the politics of his return and what it means for the KMT.
Reporters repeatedly asked Chen whether he would run for the party's chairmanship, while Chen professed to not even know when the election was scheduled to take place.
"The main reasons behind my return to the KMT are: first, to set a decent example for everybody in Taiwan. I expect each person to join a political party as I do now," Chen said.
"Second, I am rejoining the KMT in a bid to restore `freedom, equality and charity' -- the spiritual guidelines that were once promoted by the KMT's founder, Sun Yat-sen (孫中山)."
In addition, Chen encouraged political participation at the grass roots level, particularly among youngsters.
DPP Chairman Frank Hsieh (
But Hsieh added that former president Lee was probably in a foul mood.
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