Taipei, March 5 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian formally became the new chief of the National Council of Scouts of the Republic of China Monday in a ceremony held at the Presidential Office.
A girl scout from National Taiwan University presented Chen with a specially designed neckerchief to mark his assumption of the top leadership post of the ROC scouting organization. Chen said he felt honored to be able to "moonlight" as head of the Scouts of the ROC.
At Monday's ceremony, Chen showed his sense of humor by advising all ROC scouts to say loudly "yes" hereafter when they hear somebody say "President Chen is ruling the country with scouts." "Their description is logical since the ROC president has traditionally moonlighted as the head of our national scouting organization," Chen said jokingly.
Noting that the scouting movement is aimed at teaching young people to be good citizens and training them to be leaders, Chen said his administration attaches great importance to the development and operations of local scouting organizations.
"We hope all local scouting councils will work to help our youth become resourceful and responsible citizens by providing opportunities and guidance for young people to develop physically, mentally, socially and spiritually," Chen said.
As the Scouts of the ROC has won the right to host the 2004 world scouting jamboree, Chen said his administration will give full support and assistance to the organization to ensure the event is a success.