Sat, Jul 06, 2002 page2

• Assembly's history comes alive

  AUTOBIOGRAPHIES Former members and staffers of the Taiwan Provincial Assembly have told their tales, sharing the `golden days' of the nation's democratic trailblazers

  • By Ko Shu-ling / STAFF REPORTER
  • • 
    • 
    • 

  In an bid to document the 50-year history of the Taiwan Provincial Assembly, the Taiwan Provincial Consultative Council yesterday released 35 volumes of autobiographies narrated by 28 former assembly members and staffers.

  Prior to the streamlining of the Taiwan Provincial Government in 1998 to grant greater authority to the Legislative Yuan, the Taiwan Provincial Assembly was where all the political action was.

  But the assembly's importance faded when it was modified to become the Taiwan Provincial Consultative Council. Members of the council are appointed by the central government, unlike their predecessors, who were elected.

  

  Former members of the Taiwan Provincial Assembly Hsieh Han-lu, left, and Hsu Hsin-chih display two of the 35 volumes of autobiographies recording the assembly's history at a press conference yesterday.

  PHOTO: CHEN CHENG-CHANG, TAIPEI TIMES

  Council Speaker Yu Lin-ya (余玲雅) stressed the importance of the project at a press conference to promote the autobiographies.

  "The history of the council is the narrative of the development of Taiwan's democracy after World War II," Yu said. "The autobiographies narrated by former assembly members and staffers help bring back to life golden days of the assembly's 50-year history."

  DPP lawmaker Chou Ching-yu (周清玉), who served as a member of the assembly for one term, said that although Taiwan has become more democratic, there is still much room for improvement.

  "Take the June 21 confirmation vote for the president and vice president of the Examination Yuan, for example. It was a shame to see some legislators preventing others from entering the voting venue," she said.

  Lee Ying-yuan (李應元), the DPP candidate for the year-end Taipei mayoral race, said that it is encouraging to see the autobiographies published.

  "I remember when I was six years old, I constantly heard my parents and village seniors talking about the stories of contemporary movers and shakers, including the council members here with us today," he said.

  With these autobiographies, Lee said, younger generations will be able to learn the stories of these democratic trailblazers.

  Hsu Hsin-chih (許新枝), who served as a member of the assembly for two terms, was one of those featured in the autobiographies.

  Hsu was elected a township warden in Taoyuan County 48 years ago. The KMT government, however, unilaterally nullified the poll result because it said Hsu had violated the election code by engaging in last-ditch campaigning within 100m of the polling booths.

  "But in fact the real reason behind it was that I was not a KMT member," said the 74-year-old son of a tenant farmer.

  Hsu added that sharing his personal story has helped him come to terms with his past.

  "The history of the assembly is an important chapter in Taiwan's modern history, spanning from Japanese colonial rule through the KMT era," Hsu said. "I'm honored to be able to share these tales for further study."

  Following the nullification of his candidacy, Hsu later ran for the post again and won. But two months into his tenure, he was drafted into the military, despite his having failed the health checkup. During his 18 months in the military, his secretary fulfilled his duties.

  At the age of 34, he was elected as a member of the Taiwan Provincial Assembly. He stayed at the post for five years before being elected as Taoyuan County commissioner. He then worked in the Control Yuan but retired from his job there in 1999.

  Hsieh Han-lu (謝漢儒), who served as an assembly member for two terms, said that he was happy to participate in the project.

  "I hope our stories not only enrich the history books but also give them a more personal touch," he said.
• Most Popular

  • 1

    Eurovision Song Contest triggers surge in betting interest

  • 2

    Napoli close in on title despite Parma stalemate

  • 3

    Barcelona crowned champions

  • 4

    Sinner cruises past Ruud, Gauff battles into final

  • 5

    Entertainers questioned amid military service furor