Putting his "combative Cabinet" into action, Premier Yu Shyi-kun yesterday vowed to draw up a six-year plan aimed at building the country into a democratic and prosperous society.
Yu unveiled his policy goals in a special address before the legislature, in keeping with a time-honored tradition, kicking off the lawmaking body's interpellation session.
"As we all know, Beijing is mobilizing all its resources in preparation for the 2008 Olympic Games," Yu said. "All eyes will be on Asia. ...The Cabinet is drawing a comprehensive program in the hope of elevating the country's prosperity in the following six years."
Calling the proposed plan "Challenge 2008," the premier said the undertaking will encompass a wide range of policy areas featuring equal emphasis on economic growth and environmental protection.
Recognizing the importance of stability in the Taiwan Strait, Yu called for exchange between Taipei and Beijing to enhance bilateral understanding.
"Only through exchange and respect can the two sides gain more understanding of each other and settle differences over what took place during the 1992 talks," the premier said, referring to the so-called "1992 consensus."
The former KMT government maintains that bilateral envoys in 1992 agreed on the "one China" principle while differing on its definition and has advised its DPP successor to acknowledge the accord to improve cross-strait ties.
Though willing to mute pro-independence rhetoric after taking office, President Chen Shui-bian (
China has ignored Chen's conciliatory gestures and courted
opposition and business leaders here instead.
"I am glad the Chinese authorities have finally agreed to face the reality of the DPP being the ruling party [in Taiwan]," Yu said. "We will continue to take concrete steps to facilitate constructive interactions across the Strait." He left the nature of the exchanges he envisaged open.
In January, Chinese Vice Premier Qian Qichen (錢其琛) said he welcomed DPP members to visit China under "appropriate capacities."
Yu focused the second half of his 30-minute speech on domestic concerns.
He compared the legislative and executive branches to two wheels of a car whose effective functioning to a large extent hinges on smooth and balanced coordination.
"It is impossible to steer the car smoothly when one wheel [branch] is larger than the other, regardless of the traffic conditions," the premier said. "We must avoid this scenario so as not to cause the passengers discomfort."
Though low-key and amiable, Yu showed he is not hesitant to confront the opposition parties.
Last week, he pushed a veto motion through the legislature that revoked one-month-old amendments to budget allocation rules designed to increase funding for local governments.
Yesterday Yu urged the Cabinet and legislature to approach their disputes through rational debate and instructed aides to strengthen communication with their liaisons in the lawmaking body.
Commenting on the trend of globalization, the premier said that the knowledge-based economy would continue to play a key role and pledged to pump more funds into research and development.
"Total expenditures for this area are expected to account for 3 percent of GDP over the next three years to ensure the country's competitiveness," Yu said.
He also promised to promote value-added enterprises both to expand domestic demand and tackle rising unemployment.
"Amidst these efforts, I am not blind to the fact that more and more [people] are retiring," the premier said, adding that his Cabinet would speed up planning for various welfare programs.
"We must hurry up in establishing a safety net so people will find it attractive to stay in the country."
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