Colleagues and dear fellow countrymen: Good morning to all of you!
Today we welcome the beginning of a new year—the 92nd year of the Republic of China. Looking to the New Year before us, we must pause for serious reflection on the past. Then let us stride forward to the future with pride and prudence.
The past year has been full of trials and tribulation. Beyond our borders, we have seen change and uncertainty in the international political landscape and the global economy. Here in Taiwan, there are problems in need of immediate attention as well. Faced with adversity and a multitude of challenges, our survival—and our success depend on our perseverance. The more difficult the circumstances, the less we can afford to be pessimistic, and the less room there is for disorderliness and mistakes. The government and the people must stand united, helping each other through the hard times, and walking hand in hand toward progress and prosperity for the future of our nation and the welfare of our people.
On the first day of the New Year, I would like to propose one goal and two tasks as targets for our joint effort in the coming year. The goal: to provide a better life for the people. The two tasks: to revive the economy and to instate comprehensive reforms.
The government exists for the people. Citizens do not measure an economic downturn using numbers, rather by its effect on their daily lives. Although statistics indicate that recovery is under way, some people have not yet felt the improvement. Therefore, a shadow of discontentment remains. I know that the people of Taiwan have the tenacity and the will to withstand this moment of hardship. The government must feel the heartbeat of the people, must hear the people's voice, and find solutions to their problems.
Issues such as unemployment, public safety, standard of living, and healthcare are an integral part of people's lives. It matters not whether authority and responsibility lie with the central government or local governments; all levels of government should give priority to matters that concern the public and handle these issues with due deliberation and sensitivity. This is especially true with respect to the struggling members of society, including laborers, farmers, fishermen, and the unemployed. These individuals deserve a special measure of consideration. In these difficult times, where there is hope for the people, there is hope for the country. Only when the people see hope will there be hope for the country. Only when every citizen is better off will Taiwan see a brighter future.
We must all work together to ensure that Taiwan's tomorrow is better than its yesterday. In the past two years, we have seen the old century give way to the new, and a new administration replace the old; at the same time, a number of long-hidden problems have surfaced. We find ourselves at the lowest point of a global economic trend; furthermore, we are faced with upheaval in domestic politics following our first transfer of power between parties. The nation and the government are under enormous pressure, externally as well as internally. However, as the democratically elected leader of this nation, I am ready to take full responsibility. I believe the eyes of the people are watching to see that all political parties, whether in power or in opposition, pull their own weight without evading the obligation to serve the people.
There is much hope for cooperation among political parties. There are even higher expectations for positive interaction between the executive and legislative branches of government. The country's leadership must demand more from themselves and engage in self-examination. My proposal today calls for revitalizing the economy and implementing comprehensive reforms as the two principal tasks of our administration. This goal not only reflects the wishes of the people, but, in the future, it can serve as a yardstick by which the performance of government administrations and political parties can be measured.
To fuel the economy, the Executive Yuan has formulated a series of economic revitalization initiatives in accordance with the consensus reached at the Economic Development Advisory Conference (EDAC). I will not cite each one, though every single plan must be implemented thoroughly. Last October, the Kuomintang (KMT) issued a report, "Taiwan's Current Economic Situation: Problems and Counterstrategies". I personally sent a letter to thank Chairman Lien for providing this information. Most of the proposals in the report matched the objectives outlined by the EDAC. My administration has already drafted concrete policies based on these resolutions, and bills for related laws have been sent to the Legislature for deliberation. Clearly, there is a high degree of consensus on economic strategies and initiatives. The urgent task at hand is to combine the strengths of all parties and accelerate the passage of new bills.
Global competition, China's attractive market, plus our own set of historical burdens, create a triple economic challenge that will truly put Taiwan to the test. There is no time for hesitation. Failure is not an option. For both the government and the private sector, for both labor and management, and for both the governing party and opposition parties, increasing industrial and national competitiveness must be seen as a common, primary goal. Together, we must push for continuous reform, work to break down the barriers of the past, find ways to increase administrative efficiency, and promote initiatives aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of enterprises, thereby enabling Taiwan to confront—and rise above—the challenges of the times.
The tasks of reviving the economy and instituting major reforms are, in fact, closely interlocked. The public now anxiously awaits financial reform, educational reform, judicial reform, and political reform.
Financial reform will have a critical impact on Taiwan's market stability and foreign investment, while at the same time promulgating social justice; thus, financial reform is crucial if Taiwan is to reclaim its title as a key player in the world trade economy. For more than a year, the government has been making great strides in restructuring financial institutions from the grassroots level. Temporary setbacks have never caused us to waver in our resolve to push forth reforms. Under previous administrations, Taiwan became a paradise for the privileged, entitling them to over-borrow from banks and illegally bankrupt companies. Examples of the rich getting richer became commonplace, while innocent people were left stranded. We cannot just sit idly by, and we certainly cannot allow such things to happen again. Prosecutors and investigators must take immediate action to investigate and try all major cases of financial fraud. The judicial system should also be responsive to the public's demand that justice be served such as to effectively deter further financial crime. Only in this way can reform initiatives, such as the "2-5-8 Target" [reducing the ratio of non-performing loans to below 5 percent and increasing the capital adequacy ratio to above 8 percent within two years] and the RTC Fund Program, hold real significance.
Human resources make up the foundation of national competitiveness. The next generation will play a deciding role in the rise or fall of Taiwan. Educational reform has been under way for almost a decade, and parts of this mission have been fulfilled. In the process, however, we have also seen problems with implementation and adaptation. I believe that there is no way but forward in educational reform. It is the students, parents, and teachers who will be most directly influenced by implementation of reforms; therefore, educational authorities at both central and local levels should listen carefully to opinions from all corners of society. There is always room for review and improvement of current programs and teaching methods. We must strive for consensus, in order to put the process of reform back on the right track, and, in order to establish a quality system of education for future generations.
Recent events have once again made judicial reform the focus of public debate. On many occasions I have affirmed the contributions of [Judicial Yuan] President Weng, the Judicial Reform Committee, and the fine individuals who make up our nation's judicial system. The public now recognizes the importance of a fair system of due process, thus, it is our duty to shoulder an even greater responsibility. It is my hope that the amendments to the Organic Law of the Judicial Yuan will be passed by the Legislative Yuan with multi-partisan support. This will accelerate court system reforms, which in turn will improve efficiency throughout the legal infrastructure.
The goal of political reforms is to strengthen administrative and legislative functions and ultimately to further democratic development. Subsequent to the consensus reached at the EDAC, efforts to restructure the government continue. Moreover, calls for parliamentary reform did not end with the conclusion of elections; a collaborative effort between the governing and opposition parties must continue as well. In addition, I hope that the Legislature will work quickly to pass "Sunshine Bills" such as the Political Party Law and the Political Contribution Law in order to establish a legitimate and ethical environment for Taiwan's democratic development.
My dear colleagues and fellow countrymen: The future of our nation is a worthy cause. Let us put our faith in the prospects of Taiwan's 23 million people. Self-reliance and self-improvement are the tools that will enable Taiwan to stand its own internationally, especially vis-à-vis China.
Since the events of September 11 a little over a year ago, the global strategic landscape has undergone considerable change, and a new world order has begun to take shape. As a rightful member of the international community, Taiwan cannot and should not stand aloof. Over the past year, Taiwan has actively participated in the global campaign against terrorism, providing substantial aid to humanitarian causes. As the world confronts the threat of terrorism, we realize that terrorism is but a sympton of a greater disease, whose real cure is democracy. This is the main conclusion reached at the Sanchih Strategy Conference. In the future, Taiwan will continue to cooperate with international allies and friends to work toward the realization of global democratization.
Last November in China, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) convened its "Sixteenth Party Congress," carrying out a smooth transition of power and party reform. This outcome reinforces our belief that steady progress must be maintained on both sides of the Strait in order to ensure the welfare of both our peoples.
With this in mind, we hope the government of China will recognize that transparency of institutions is indispensable aspect of sustainable national development. The people must be allowed greater opportunity to take part in public affairs; thus can the foundation be laid for sustainable governance. China's continuing development will have an important impact, not only domestically, but also on Taiwan, East Asia—and the world community. Given the appropriate opportunity, we would be willing to share Taiwan's unique experience in democratization with the political leaders as well as members of society in China.
Over the past two years, my administration has pursued stability in cross-strait relations while exploring possibilities for breakthroughs. Let me reiterate the position I have maintained since taking office, that is, that both sides must mutually promote constructive development in cross-strait relations based on the principle of "good-will reconciliation, active cooperation, permanent peace". Given such premise of reconciliation, cooperation and peace, we do not intend to stray from our original pledge to uphold the "Four NOs plus One".
Now, each side has proposed its own blueprint for future development. Therefore, today, I wish to make an earnest call for both sides to strive toward building a framework of interaction for peace and stability and to make this a primary goal at this stage of cross-strait development. In these first two decades of the twenty-first century, let us begin by creating a common niche for economic development, thus fostering an environment conducive to long-term engagement. Consultation and promotion of direct transportation links, as well as exchanges on other relevant economic issues, could constitute a first step forward and set the stage for further economic and cultural interaction. This would enable both sides to work together, abiding by the principle of "democracy, parity, and peace", in an effort to resolve longer-term issues through existing foundations and with increasing confidence.
My dear colleagues and fellow countrymen: I believe that we should have faith in democracy. I believe we should have confidence in Taiwan. Let us not falter in the face of challenge. Let us join hearts and hands, for together, we are 23 million strong. Let us go forth with courage, knowing that opportunity is at our side, and success, within our reach.
In closing, I would like to wish great success for the Republic of China and a happy New Year to our compatriots everywhere!