Taipei, March 18 (CNA) Chen paid a quiet visit to the grave of his political mentor Huang Hsin-chieh, a former chairman of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
In the company of several members of Huang's family, Chen laid a wreath and bowed three times before Huang's tomb to express his respect for Huang, who began to push for Taiwan's democratization during the island's martial law era.
Chen, a lawyer-turned-politician from a poor farming family in southern Taiwan, once said his decision to enter politics was inspired by Huang and that he was deeply grateful for Huang's counseling and guidance in his political career. Chen also made a "thanksgiving" visit to Huang's tomb as his first public activity after last year's presidential election.
On Sunday, Chen also visited home of another late DPP chairman, Chiang Peng-chien, who once served as a member of the watchdog Control Yuan.
During his talks with Chiang's widow, Chen was quoted as having said that the people of Taiwan turned a new chapter in the country's political history with love and ballots exactly a year ago by electing him as president.
"To me, it's not a victory, but rather an increase in my duty," Chen said, adding that he marked the anniversary of his electoral victory with gratitude and soul-searching.
On this special day, Chen went on, he feels enormously grateful for DPP elders, the people of Taiwan, the country and this piece of land. "I was making soul searching while paying tribute to our party elders. I'll redouble my efforts to lead Taiwan forward and upward. I hope to leave admirable legacy during my four-year term," he was quoted as having assured Chiang's family.
Chen also lauded Chiang for his lifelong dedication to Taiwan's pro-democracy and human rights movement. Chiang was the DPP's founding chairman.
Pledging to make Taiwan a new landmark for human rights protection in the 21st century, Chen said, as the president of the Republic of China, he must defend the freedom of speech of all ROC people in accordance with the constitution.
As several presidential advisers have made controversial remarks in recent weeks, Chen said he must respect their freedom of speech no matter whether he likes or dislikes, agrees or disagrees with those comments. "I must listen to different opinions and suggestions in order to make circumspect policy decisions," he added.