President Chen Shui-bian and Vice President Annette Lu attended the 17th anniversary of Cheng Nan-jung's self-immolation on April 7. They commemorated his death by reassuring to the public that the imperative values of freedom, democracy, justice and peace will always be preserved.
During the Kuomintang's (KMT) rule, Cheng Nan-jung, or widely known as "Nylon," was a journalist who set himself on fire 17 years ago in an act to defend freedom of speech. His self-immolation was a turning point in Taiwan's struggle for free speech.
While referring to his unwavering determination to create a suitable and workable constitution for the people of Taiwan by the end of his presidency, President Chen spoke of Nylon as "a martyr whose ideals and principles have guided Taiwan to fight for freedom and democracy."
At the ceremony, the president again vowed to defend the inalienable freedoms of speech and the press. "The absolute freedoms of speech and the press must not be glossed over and compromised," said the president, "and we must be courageously responsible when these rights are under attack."
The memorial ceremony took place at the editorial room where "Nylon" set himself on fire. On behalf of the government and the Taiwanese people, the president and the vice president extended their warmest regards to "Nylon" and his family.