Taipei, Aug. 6 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Friday he will not run for any public office after his current presidential term expires in May 2008.
Chen made the remarks while meeting with schoolchildren attending a young journalists training workshop sponsored by the Cabinet-level Council for Hakka Affairs.
During the meeting at the Presidential Office, some of the children asked Chen if he is confident of scoring a victory if the Taiwan High Court annuls the March 20 presidential election and orders that a new one be held.
Chen did not answer the question directly. Instead he asked: "Are you asking me whether I would run for the presidency once again?" "No, " Chen told his young guests. "I will not run for office again. I ran in the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections. Election campaigning is hard work and I have finished my last election battle. No matter how the situation changes, I will not run for any public office again. I'm gratified at being able to win the presidency twice."
Chen further said he will quit politics completely after serving out his current term. "I'll return home and lead a private life with my wife. I won't get involved in politics any more, " Chen said, adding that by then, he'll have more time to care for his wheelchair-bound wife and will no longer need the assistance of a caregiver.
Asked whether he likes his job, Chen said he takes great interest in his work. "I like my job. It's a successful job. I'm grateful that I have the opportunity to serve our people. In my political career, I have always sought opportunities to serve the public. From being a legislator, Taipei's mayor and president, I have consistently taken pride in being a public servant," Chen added.