President Sanchez-Arias, Mr. Lee, JCI Friends, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:
Good morning!
I am most delighted to have this opportunity to meet with JCI President Mr. Sanchez-Arias and JCI friends. Let me take this opportunity to wish you a happy lunar new year. I'd also like to extend my heartfelt welcome to Mr. Sanchez-Arias, on behalf of the government and people of Taiwan. I hope you would personally experience the joyous atmosphere of the lunar new year.
Lately the weather has been quite cold, but our economy is warming up. Two days ago, while being interviewed on TV, I said that spring is not far and our economy is bouncing back with strong force, in the equity market, automobile market as well as real estate market. The unemployment rate in last November was down to 4.71%, less than the figures in the US (5.9%) and Japan (5.2%). It was lowered to 4.58% last December, making the average unemployment rate less than 5% for year 2003, a figure that was targeted by the opposition political party to be only attainable by year 2008--making this administration three years ahead of their schedule. It signifies the efficiency and execution capability of this administration. With such a positive economic outlook, I happily made a new year wish of "all households enjoy a prosperous year and make big money" to all our fellow compatriots. I am sure the year of the monkey will bring us much economic prosperity.
I would like to point out that Taiwan's economic prospect and national competitiveness have received very favorable ratings by international agencies. Such achievements are certainly not made overnight. It is a result of all encompassing efforts by our people to engage in economic revitalization projects and comprehensive reforms. It is only through continued reforms that we can ensure our national competitiveness. If we do not instate reform, it is very much like repairing a car by only cleaning up its exterior and changing its tires without renewing its engine, even if the tires are brand new, the car won't run faster.
Unlike the challenges of the past when we compete with other developing countries, the challenge we face today is to expedite our development and become a full-fledged developed-country. That is why we need to upgrade ourselves in areas of politics, social affairs, economy and culture simultaneously. Therefore, we must persevere in our reform endeavor and shall never give up half way. The worst days are gone and the best are coming. Taiwan is at the historical juncture as we enter the last stage of political and social reform. Our people are running against time and we shall be resolute in our commitment to reform.
Of course, it is only natural to have opposition force and disagreement to reform, but we should not give up easily, because we have embarked on a right path. Take the referendum for example, it is not only a birth right endowed upon all citizens, but also an exercise of democracy. It should not be hindered, obstructed or restricted by anyone. That is why I have hard time comprehending the recent rhetoric by French President when he made comments on our referendum proposal, because France has had a long history of holding referendums, dating back to 1791. So far it has held more than 20 national referendums and is an old democratic country of the world. How could President Chirac turn his back on these universal values of human rights and these democratic heritages, which, in part, were created by his country? China's using another country to lash out attacks on democracy and human rights in Taiwan only proves to the world that this communist regime not only opposes democratic Taiwan, but is also a potential threat to democracy and human rights in the world. As we all know, the democratic system of the referendum in France can be dated back to 1791, and has lasted two hundred and thirteen years. There had been nine referendums held in the period of the Fifth Republic; four in the reign of President Charles de Gaulles, including direct presidetnial election, wich was the fruit of referendum. President Pompidou and President Mitterrand in succession folowed suit. Therefore, we are disheartened and regretful over recetn false accusations of the referendum in Taiwan. For a country like France with over two hundred years of experience in holding refrendums, it is difficult for me to comprehend its leadr's position in interfering internal affairs of other countries. Please do understand that it is a long road to realize democracy against resistance and oppression force along the way. If you recall teh early days, how much price did we pay for lifting the Emergency Decree, wich has lasted fro 38 years? Especially during the period of White Terror, how many people were arrested and imprisoned? How much price was paid for changing the transfer of political power, lifting the ban on newspaper publication, as well as for the Kaohsiung Incident? The intention of these martyrs was fairly simple. The afore-mentioned events were the progressive process of democratic reform and yet were misinterpreted as evidence of rebellion.
We urged for lifting the Emergency Decree, changing governing party, lifting the ban on newspaper publications, abolishing Art. 100 of the Criminal Law,striving for full-fledged speech freedom, overall re-election of the Legislature, direct presidential election--these unfortunately turned into evidence for rebellion.
JCI President Sanchez-Arias, being a specialist consultant in business administration, is fully aware of the necessity of innovation and reform for continued progress. As the first Taiwan president who comes from the JCI community, I share a special bonding with our JCI friends. I hope that with your dedication and support, Taiwan will stride forward in peace and democracy and the achievement and voices of the people of Taiwan would be known and heard in the international community. In closing, let me once again extend my warmest welcome to President Sanchez-Arias, and my best wishes to the prosperity of JCI and to each one of you. Thank you.