Taipei, May 20 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian urged 15 newly nominated grand justices Tuesday to exercise their duties according to the Constitution and impartially to either himself or the ruling political party.
The president made the remarks at a reception for the nominated grand justices that was also attended by Vice President Annette Lu and Presidential Office Secretary-General Chiou I-jen.
Chen said that an interpretation of the Constitution by the Council of Grand Justices in 1990 made possible a comprehensive re-election of the legislature, which ushered in a new era in Taiwan's democratic development.
He said that from there, the gubernatorial, mayoral and presidential elections ensued, which allowed him to be elected president and for which he expressed gratitude.
Chen also said that he attaches great importance to the nomination process and that those nominated should realize that they are "writing and creating history" and should face judicial reforms responsibly.
He noted that the principle for nomination by the screening team was to transcend political parties and ethnic backgrounds and that only after the list was unveiled did he know that five of the nominees are of mainland Chinese descendant and that none of them belong to the ruling Democratic Progressive Party.
Among the 15 incumbent grand justices, only five, including president of the Judicial Yuan Weng Yueh-sheng and his deputy, Cheng Chung-mo, have been nominated to serve on the next Council of Grand Justices.
Chen said that while some have suggested that the political parties should be represented proportionally, he did not agree. He also pointed out that one incumbent Cabinet minister had been considered as a possible nominee but was rejected out of political party considerations.
He also said that in the past six terms of the grand justices, there have been only two female grand justices at any one time and this is the first time there are three female nominees.
Chen said he expects the nominees to uphold the national sovereignty and protect basic human rights to ensure the sustainable growth of constitutional rule.
He expressed the hope that the 15 nominees will remain loyal to the people and the nation and act according to their consciences, adding that if ever he or the ruling party should violate the Constitution, they should exercise their duties impartially.