Sun, Nov 25, 2001 page3

• Dec. 1 elections: KMT says it has the policies to revive Taiwan's economic miracle, create jobs

  Beyond the name-calling and exchanging of allegations that go along with any typical election campaign lie more concrete policy platforms voters need to be aware of if they are to make an informed choice on Dec. 1. Taiwan's four major political parties have competing prescriptions for what ails the nation and offer a variety of solutions to economic and cross-strait challenges

  • By Stephanie Low / STAFF REPORTER
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  The KMT is campaigning on its ability to solve Taiwan's economic problems in the Dec. 1 elections, calling on people to "reject the incompetent [DPP] government."

  While blaming the DPP for the worsening economy and climbing unemployment rate over the past 18 months of its rule, the KMT is touting its past achievements in creating the "Taiwan experience" and "Taiwan miracle."

  "The most urgent requirement for Taiwan today is to have the economy revived to safeguard the well-being of the people," KMT Chairman Lien Chan (連戰) said.

  "The people have lost faith in the government because it is inconsistent in terms of its policies and in most cases has no policy at all," Lien added.

  To set itself apart from the DPP, the KMT is offering a series of proposed solutions to the nation's economic woes.

  Appealing to farmers, who are expected to suffer following Taiwan's accession into the WTO, the KMT promises to push the government to mark NT$100 billion over a three-year period as a relief fund to cover losses as a result of competition from imported produce.

  To further help farmers cope with the impact of the WTO, the party wants the government to set up a NT$150 billion agricultural development fund over a five-year period.

  To better protect the interests of farmers and fishermen, the KMT demands stricter policing of smuggling activities across the Taiwan Strait and vows to help them improve their marketing ability.

  For the unemployed, the party proposes establishing a NT$10 billion fund to help the jobless set up new businesses.

  To help workers who are not entitled to any severance pay, the KMT proposes offering them an unemployment-relief payment over a six-month period.

  The KMT also wants to speed up the establishment of an unemployment insurance system that would cover most professions.

  In addition to the proposed resolutions aimed at workers, the KMT has made available a set of policies designed for the business sector.

  The party promises to push the government to expand annual budgets for science and technology development at a growth rate of more than 10 percent per year. It also proposes helping small and medium-sized businesses upgrade by giving them managerial and technical assistance as well as short-term loans.

  On cross-strait relations, the KMT proposes that Taiwan seek to resume dialogue with China on the basis of the "1992 consensus," relax the "no haste, be patient" policy for cross-strait investment, lift the ban on direct cross-strait shipping and offer protection for Taiwanese investors in China.

  To upgrade the competitiveness of financial institutions, the KMT proposes setting up a uniform system for financial monitoring and management. It also wants to improve the organization of financial holding companies, banks and insurance companies.

  On social welfare, the KMT plans to push for the development of a national pension program. It would also provide baby-sitting services free of charge for low-income families, and average-income families with preschool children would receive education vouchers of NT$3,000 per month.

  On improving the parliamentary system and getting rid of "black-gold" politics, the KMT supports the adoption of a "single-district, two-vote" system for legislative elections.

  Meanwhile, the KMT insists that the president respect the constitutional framework in the formation of the new Cabinet.

  "We urge the people to express their dissatisfaction and anger at the incompetent government with their votes on Dec. 1 so as to restore stability and prosperity to Taiwan," said KMT Secretary-General Lin Fong-cheng (林豐正).
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