Former president Lee Teng-hui (
Lee also said that he never suggested a Cabinet reshuffle in the wake of the government's about-turn on reform of the farmers' and fishermen's credit institutions.
He stressed that his advice for the government was offered with the best interests of the nation at heart and called on the nation's leaders to work harder to develop their political judgment.
PHOTO: FANG PIN-CHAO, TAIPEI TIMES
While tens of thousands of farmers took to the streets of Taipei to voice their grievances against the government, the former president chose to visit Maokung (
Lee made the comments in an effort to calm the ongoing political storm following the unexpected decision on the policy turnabout of grassroots financial reform.
Three months after the finance ministry introduced a three-tiered risk-control mechanism on the 304 credit units of the farmers and fishermen's associations with outstanding non-performing loans, the Cabinet announced last Sunday evening that it would indefinitely suspend the initiative because the reform efforts had provoked enormous opposition from farmers and fishermen.
Premier Yu Shyi-kun and three Cabinet members -- Vice Premier Lin Hsin-yi (
Lee seized the chance to counter media reports, which stated that he hindered the Cabinet's reform and indirectly triggered the political commotion.
Speculation was rampant that the close relationship between Chen and Lee turned sour after the uproar, after Lee had lambasted the DPP administration in a weekly magazine last week.
Lee reportedly said that government officials were inexperienced and only knew how to campaign, but know nothing about ruling the nation. Denying the interview, Lee said "as a civilian, I have only respect for the president."
"I sought to tell the president that politicians have to be cautious and get to the point. [Leaders] ought to thoroughly research an issue before they attempt to provide an efficient remedy. Only by doing so will people have faith in the government," he said.
Lee acknowledged that sometimes he speaks aggressively to spice up his conversation, but he meant no harm to the government while proffering his advice.
When he offered his suggestions to the DPP concerning financial reform, he said he did not wish to give the ruling party a difficult time. "What I said was for the country's agricultural and economic development," he said.
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