SEPTEMBER 2013

DEMOCRACY & PROGRESS

DPP: President Ma leading democracy to backslide
From the current information that has surfaced so far, President Ma and the executive branch has already conducted unconstitutional and illegal actions that are even more serious than the US Watergate Scandal. It is right to call this times incident: Congressgate. The truth has yet to surface, but what we are certain of is this: The DPP held an international press conference on September 30 to discuss the current constitutional crisis. Below are remarks made by DPP Chair Su Tseng-chang at the press conference: Today, we are holding this press conference with the utmost of seriousness and solemnity. Over the decades, the Taiwanese people went through the White Terror Era, in which they had to endure military and police suppression. Step by step, through peaceful means, the people broke through Martial Law and one-party autocracy. They opened the doors to democracy, allowing the universal values of freedom, democracy and human rights to become part of Taiwan and receiving the affirmation of the international community. However, these hardworn democratic assets are now facing the greatest threat. The Special Investigation Division (SID) has for a long time been illegally wiretapping the Legislative Yuan, illegally publicizing the wiretapping transcripts. This action not only violates the original purpose of instituting the SID, but it also violates regulations stipulated in the Communication Security and Surveillance Act. Furthermore, these actions show an inconsistence in the constitutional principle of the three separations of powers. Instead of abiding by his constitutional responsibility, the Premier has assisted in the internal power struggle of the political party and has criticized the legitimacy of the legislative speaker. The evidence is clear, and this is a serious

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 insult to the power of supervision as well as to congressional independence. The President took the initiative to meet with SIDs prosecutor-general to discuss the investigation of judicial cases. This is a clear evidence of presidential interference into the judiciary and a violation of the constitutional order. The President employed the recordings of illegal wiretapping to force the legislative speaker out of his position. The President violated the constitutional power of supervision, and in addition, the separation between the roles of political party and government. More seriously, the President violated the power granted to congress and breached the spirit of the power separation.

SEPTEMBER 2013 demonstrates a serious distrust and disproval of the President and the Premiers recent actions. We ask that President Ma take responsibility of this scandal and to resign his post immediately. If the President is unwilling to take responsibility of his own actions, we will take appropriate constitutional moves to stop the administration from further violating the constitution. The possible options include: the impeachment or recall campaign against President Ma and the dismissal of the whole cabinet. We will be taking actions soon. KMT political members should take immediate note of the serious consequences of President Mas unconstitutional acts. As a result of this scandal, Taiwan is now experiencing an unacceptable degree of political chaos and social instability. The people clearly object what the administration is doing these days. If the KMT still tries to protect the President against the will of the Taiwanese people, there is no doubt that they will be punished by the Taiwanese voters for their irresponsible actions. Democracy is Taiwans most precious asset. It represents the hard-earned achievements made by the Taiwanese people over decades by breaking through the barriers of Martial Law and choosing this way as a method of life. We cant allow any individual or a political party destroy this. We must never let this happen and we must gather the power of civic society to persist in protecting Taiwans democracy!

If the constitution is not being followed, the continuous existence of our democracy, freedom, and human rights will be in serious jeopardy. Democracy, freedom and human rights not only constitute the core values of the DPP, but also its long-term goals. Our stance is clear: it is time to take action. In regards to the illegal wiretappings, we propose to abolish the SID immediately. We also propose to establish a fact-finding committee to determine the truth behind this scandal and to identify the responsible parties involved. The committee will investigate what roles the President, the Premier, and the Prosecutor-General played. As the Prosecutor-General and SID members have already admitted to wrongdoing in performing the wiretappings, we believe that they should be relieved of their duties for investigation immediately to prevent them from tampering with important evidence. It is now clear that the President together with the Premier violated the constitution due to party struggle within the KMT. Public opinion clearly

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SEPTEMBER 2013

DPP celebrates 27th Anniversary

The DPP celebrated its 27th anniversary, hosting a reception with foreign diplomats and representatives in Taipei at the Howard Hotel. The reception was held on Sept. 24 with over 200 guests attending the event. DPP Chair Su Tseng-chang welcomed the guests, along with party executives. Present at the event were also Mr. Joseph Wu, DPP representative to the U.S. and Mr. Liu Shih-chung, director of the DPPs Department of International Affairs. At the opening remarks, Chair Su discussed the launching of the DPP of a Green New Deal, which is designed to promote better sustainability for Taiwan through sound environmental policies. He also discussed about the DPPs foreign policy goals, mentioning the continuous work by the DPP to promote Taiwan through alliances with countries based on the values of democracy and human rights.

Below are Chair Sus remarks in full: Members of the diplomatic community, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much for coming to the 27th Anniversary of the Democratic Progressive Party. We are honored by your presence. 27 years ago, we founded the DPP. Those were the days when martial law was still in effect, and freedom and human rights were suppressed. Those were the days when we marched in the street to fight for democracy. And those were the days when the KMT government was finally forced to lift martial law and to abolish the rule by emergency decree. Taiwan democracy is not yet perfect, as manifested by recent political events. However, it is our duty to bring the democracy back on the right track. I am pleased to inform you, since we met last year, our legislators and county and city mayors have out-ranked and out-performed their peers and enjoy PAGE 3

 very high marks and approval ratings in every single survey. As you can see, we may not be the largest political party, but in terms of performance, the DPP is the best in the eyes of the Taiwan people. I have served as the Chair of the DPP for a little more than a year. During this brief period, the DPP has strengthened its local organizations and improved coordination with our legislative caucus. We have rolled out a compassionate economic reform package to stimulate our economy. We have joined hands with journalists, professors and students to stop a media monopoly from taking place. We have taken the lead in public discussions, and proposed reform measures: on the near-bankrupt pension systems, on much needed renewable energy, and on the confusing 12-year compulsory education proposal. We have also published four defense blue papers to highlight our seriousness on national defense. We have done so because we are more than just an opposition; we are ready to shoulder responsibility for Taiwans future. Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, here I would like to present to you the Green New Deal as the DPPs pledge for Taiwans future: sustainable development, good governance, social justice, and democratic alliance. We have always supported environment protection and a nuclear-free homeland. As you are well aware, we are now working hard to stop the controversial and potentially dangerous 4th Nuclear Power Plant. We will push hard on renewable energy sources. In particular, we will promote something Taiwan is very good at: LED and LVD lighting and the use of solar panels. We have recently concluded a comprehensive review of the past DPP Administration. We have also learned from the mistakes of the current one. I promise you, when the DPP comes back to power, good governance will always be on the top of our priority list.

SEPTEMBER 2013 Social justice is also our top priority. The recent dispute over land acquisition and Service Trade Agreement with China, the death of a young soldier, and the possible collapse of pension systems warrant our even harder efforts. The DPP will work relentlessly to ensure reform takes place. Democracy is our core value. We will not only consolidate our democracy domestically, but expand our relations internationally based on this precious value. In the past few months, I have taken overseas trips to Japan, the US, Canada, and more, to advance our democratic alliance. I am glad to have received very positive responses. I will continue to press this alliance forward whenever I have a chance. I know you call the DPP green. Yes, the DPP is about green environment, green energy, green industry, and a green island country economically and politically. To us, green is clean, green is refreshing, green is sustainable, and green is good. The DPP will be all about a Green New Deal. There are important events ahead of us. In particular, local elections are right around the corner. We are confident in taking on the challenges especially when DPP support is consistently higher than that of others. Yes, the DPP is coming backbetter, stronger and greener than ever. Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, now I would like to propose a toast to all of you: to friendship! Cheers! Thank you very much.

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SEPTEMBER 2013

DPP organizes climate change conference with Asian NGOs

Around twenty-four international participants coming from political parties, research institutes and civil society organizations in the Asian region gathered in the southern city of Taiwan, Kaohsiung, from Sept. 6 to 9 for a three-day conference that presented best practices in Climate Change Adaptation. With the theme :Adapting to Climate Change: Issues and Strategies, the event focused on what political leaders, policy-makers, political parties and civil society organizations can do to foster sound environmental governance, particularly in terms of developing capacity to deal with climactic changes. The conference commenced with a Welcome Dinner Reception hosted by the Kaohsiung City Government. Kaohsiung City Deputy Mayor Ms. Liu Shyh-Fang received the delegates. Present also in the evening gathering were DPP Legislator BiKhim Hsiao, Mr. Liu Shih-Chung, director of the

DPPs Department of International Affairs and American Institute in Taiwan Kaohsiung Deputy Branch Chief Mr. John Hartman. Conference meetings immediately began the following day with an opening session graced by Taiwan Foundation for Democracy Vice-President Ms. Maysing Yang, Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) for Freedom Regional Directory for Southeast and East Asia Dr. Rainer Adam, Philippine Presidential Adviser for Environmental Protection and CALD Secretary General Hon. Neric Acosta, and Kaohsiung City Environmental Protection Bureau Deputy Director Ms. Jennifer Chen. Moving forward to the core agenda of the conference, the international leaders convened on a session on Best Practices in Governance and Legislation. Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia Head of International Relations and Affairs Mr. Ng Lip Yong chaired the session with four (4) distinguished speakers: Former Deputy Governor of Bangkok PAGE 5

 Hon. Prakob Chirakiti, MP from the Democrat Party of Thailand; Senior Adviser to the Senate and House of Representatives Commissions on Natural Resources and Environment, Thailand Dr. Monthip Sriratana; National Consultant to Climate Change Adaptation Project of UNDP for the Ministry of Green Development and Environment, Mongolia Ms. Onon Bayasgalan; and Hon. Marie Anne Pernes, MP from the Liberal Party of the Philippines. Apart from governance and legislation, a session was also devoted to Best Practices in Political Party and Civil Society initiatives. Ms. Jaslyn Go of the Women Democrats from the Singapore Democratic Party chaired. Speakers were Environmental Conservation Committee Advisor Mr. Tun Lwin from the National League for Democracy, Burma; and Ecological Agricultural Development Foundation, Inc., Philippines Executive Director Mr. Aladino Moraca. The afternoon had the conference delegates breakout to working group sessions. The sessions aimed to serve as a platform where relevant experiences can be shared and where a set of policy recommendations on what reforms/initiatives can be lobbied in each area to foster climate change adaptation and resilience can be drawn. The conference ended with a speech from DPP Chai Su Tseng-chang, delivered by DPPs Representative to the United States Dr. Joseph Wu.

SEPTEMBER 2013 Chair Su pointed out in his speech that, We need leaders to take charge in formulating climate change policy, and make the necessary investments towards sustainable development. Former DPP Chair Yao Chia-wen was also present during the closing ceremonies, and delivered closing comments on the DPPs involvement in providing legal aid for those who were affected by industrial pollution and government land repatriation. According to Mr. Yao, he said that the Environment is a political issue. And in the course of a 3day conference, leaders tackled the political issue with the approach of staging best practices. The cooperating organization, CALD, said in a press statement that it eagerly hopes for these practices to be replicated in possible key areas, and to serve as an inspiration for leaders, groups and organizations to undertake similar projects that would help advance the Climate Change Agenda. The delegates also paid a visit to Pingtung County, hosted by DPP Governor Mr. Tsao Chi-hung. The site visits showcased private companies venture to renewable energy for sustainable development and living after the county was devastated by the 2009 Typhoon Morakot. Green houses which produce organic vegetables and solar panels fields were the main attraction of the site areas.

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SEPTEMBER 2013

DPP: President Ma has breached separation of power by unlawful means!

On Sept. 9, Chair Su Tseng-chang of the Democratic Progressive Party attended a meeting in the Legislative Yuan to consult with DPP legislators on their views regarding the upcoming legislative session. Following the meeting, Chair Su along with the members of DPP legislative caucus spoke to the public, as highlighted below: Chair Su said that President Ma has employed illegal means in carrying out a crude political manipulation to defeat a political rival and expand his own power. The constitutional crisis ignited by President Ma himself has shocked the country and is most regrettable. President Ma must come out to directly address and clarify his role. In order to maintain the constitutional system of governance, protect human rights, and allow Tai-

wan to move forward instead of sinking ever downward, Chair Su raises the following points: First of all, this colossal scandal demonstrates that Taiwan has returned to the White Terror era, in which the opposition party and the people are under permanent surveillance. Legislator Ker Chienming is the whip of the DPPs legislative caucus, yet they have carried out this long-term wiretapping of his phones without even bringing charges against him, which undoubtedly provided the government access to all of the internal operations of the DPP. This type of surveillance of the movements of the opposition is illegal and absolutely unacceptable in a democracy. It is an even more serious matter than the Watergate scandal in the U.S. from years ago more abominable, and more intolerable. We must ask President Ma, who else are you wiretapping and for how long?

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 Prosecutor-General Mr. Huang Shih-ming has publicly admitted this morning that the relevant case was initially classified as a criminal matter, the investigation of which was concluded on Sept. 5. However, on Aug. 30, Prosecutor-General Huang reported his findings to President Ma. Isnt this an illegal breach of the confidentiality of ongoing investigations? President Ma not only did not avoid getting involved with the issue, he in fact intervened with the judiciary and interfered with the proceeding of an individual case, committing a serious violation of the principle of separation of powers and causing an enormous crisis of constitutional governance. President Ma, what exactly did you say in that meeting on Aug. 30? What directions did you give to ProsecutorGeneral Huang Shih-ming? Could it be that President Ma is not accountable to provide a clear explanation of these events to the various sectors of society? With regard to President Mas accusations toward DPP Legislator Ker Chien-ming, we maintain that Mr. Ker has been acquitted of the charges against him. Since the verdict was not guilty, there was no need for him to seek to influence any further proceedings. Moreover, the other party to the case has also denied being lobbied by Mr. Ker, nor have the investigatory authorities questioned that other party in connection with this matter. Therefore, the most basic elements of an influence peddling case cannot even be established. I detest influence peddling, and would not protect or justify it among my own staff. But whether influence peddling occurred is not dependent on President Mas word, nor on the basis of his judgment. It requires an examination of the factual evidence, in accordance with established legal procedures. Ironically, it is President Ma himself who has created chaos with arbitrary and unlawful interference. His unconstitutional and illegal actions, and the use of unlawful means to

SEPTEMBER 2013 carry out political infighting and suppress dissent, are all extremely serious matters. President Ma has employed illegal means in carrying out a crude political manipulation to defeat a political rival and enhance his own power. President Ma himself is responsible for this constitutional crisis; he must come out to directly address and clarify his role. The DPP is united in its resolve to protect human rights and uphold the constitutional separation of powers. We demand that President Ma give a clear accounting of his actions.

DPP Spokesperson Mr. Lin Chun-hsian at a press conference on September 12. The graph shows a DPP poll showing that 70% of the Taiwanese public believe that President Ma Ying-jeou has violated the constitution

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SEPTEMBER 2013

DPP thanks U.S. Congress for improving Taiwans international participation at ICAO
Reacting to the announcement last Friday, September 13, that Taiwans Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) has been invited to attend the upcoming assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), DPP Representative to the U.S. Dr. Joseph Wu expressed his deep thanks to the U.S. Congress and to the State Department for the leading role that each played in bringing about this important step forward for Taiwans international participation. ICAO Council President Roberto Kobeh Gonzalez last week issued an invitation for a delegation from Taiwan led by CAA director general Jean Shen to attend the upcoming Assembly, to be held from September 26 to October in Montreal, Canada, as his special guests. Although this unique arrangement falls short of the full observer status that Taiwans government originally sought, it nevertheless marks the first time in over 40 years that Taiwan has had any representation at ICAO. We are very grateful to all of Taiwans international friends and allies who have spoken out in support of expanding Taiwans presence in international organizations over the years, and in particular for the tireless efforts of the United States government in advocating on our behalf, stated Dr. Wu. Bringing Taiwan to the table will help to close a critical gap in the global air traffic safety system. We hope that the delegation will be able to participate meaningfully at the assembly, with full access to all of the meetings and events in Montreal. It is the fervent hope of the people of Taiwan that this advancement will lead to a more sustainable presence for Taiwan in international forums in the long run.

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SEPTEMBER 2013

DEMOCRACY & PROGRESS

PUBLISHED BY: Department of International Aairs Democratic Progressive Party 9F, No. 30, Pei-Ping East Road, Taipei, Taiwan Tel: 886-2-2392-9989 ext. 306 Fax: 886-2-2393-0342 Email: foreign@dpp.org.tw Website: http://www.dpp.org.tw

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