President Chen Shui-bian this morning attended the screening of a documentary film. The President delivered a speech and apologized to families of victims during the "white terror" on behalf of the people and government.
President Chen said that the most significant difference that separates Taiwan, Hong Kong and China lies not in the level of economic development, but in the dignity and human rights enjoyed by the people. In today's Taiwan people empower the government, whereas in Hong Kong and China it is the government that empowers the people. Distance across the Taiwan Strait would only become larger, if this situation is not reversed.
President Chen noted that the ruling political party did not do well in the "three-in-one election" on December 3 and that all ruling party members, including the President himself and the administration team, should examine closely about the failure and should learn from this defeat. The President said however that he will not be discouraged due to the setback in the local elections.
President Chen declared that the government insists on Taiwan developing its own identity, that democratization and reforms must go on, and that the government must be free of graft and corruption.
The President stressed that the Democratic Progressive Party and the whole administration team are highly reflective, always brave to meet face to face with mistakes and are willing to seek improvement. He voiced his hope that the government will rebuild its reputation and earn support and recognition from the people.