President William Lai (賴清德) yesterday said the newly launched National Archives offer the public a deeper, unifying understanding of the pioneers of Taiwan’s democracy.
“The opening of the National Archives demonstrates not only the government’s determination to protect national records and preserve collective memory, but also our firm commitment to the openness of political archives — an important milestone in transitional justice,” Lai said at the launch ceremony in New Taipei City’s Linkou District (林口).
“I believe that through the openness of archives, more people will understand the resolve of those who pursued democracy before us, appreciate the value of democracy, rule of law and human rights, and further unite to safeguard Taiwan’s freedom,” Lai said.
Photo: Huang Cheng-chia, Taipei Times
Taiwan, as a democracy, has a political system driven by party politics and competition, but Taiwanese must be united in facing the struggles of the future, he said.
“What aggressors fear most is the strength of unity,” he said. “Together, let us confront the past with truth as our foundation, deepen dialogue and unite our strength so Taiwan could continue to move forward firmly on the path of freedom and democracy.”
The National Archives is responsible for collecting and preserving important records from all levels of government, valuable documents from private groups and Taiwan-related records held overseas, Lai said.
Photo: CNA
Government agencies at all levels must transfer their archives, and no agencies may conceal or refuse to turn over requested documents, he said.
When managing its collections, the National Archives should follow the principle of “maximum openness and minimal restriction,” thereby facilitating efforts to scrutinize government actions and achieve transparency, Lai said.
He encouraged the National Archives to collaborate with schools, civic groups and local cultural institutions to cultivate evidence-based reasoning skills and deepen understanding of how Taiwan’s politics, economy, industry and literature developed, Lai said.
On Sept. 10, the number of days since the lifting of martial law in 1987 has surpassed the number of days Taiwan was under martial law from 1949 to 1987, he said.
Lai expressed his gratitude to the National Archives for displaying original archival documents such as the order lifting martial law, the amendment to Article 100 of the Criminal Code and other landmark documents that were crucial to Taiwan’s democratization.
“I invite the Taiwanese to visit the National Archives, and witness how Taiwan emerged from the shadows of authoritarianism and moved toward the light of democracy, step by step,” he added.
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