dpp newsletter sept2013

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SEPTEMBER 2013 PAGE 1 DEMOCRACY & PROGRESS DPP: President Ma leading democracy to backslide The DPP held an international press conference on September 30 to discuss the current constitu- tional 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, de- mocracy and human rights to become part of Taiwan and receiving the affirmation of the in- ternational community. However, these hard- worn democratic assets are now facing the greatest threat. “From the current information that has surfaced so far, Presi- dent Ma and the executive branch has already conducted unconstitutional and illegal ac- tions that are even more serious than the US’ Watergate Scandal. It is right to call this time’s inci- dent: “Congressgate”. “The truth has yet to surface, but what we are certain of is this: The Special Investigation Division (SID) has for a long time been illegally wiretapping the Legislative Yuan, ille- gally publicizing the wiretapping tran- scripts. 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 po- litical party and has criticized the le- gitimacy of the legislative speaker. The evidence is clear, and this is a serious

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September 2013 Newsletter of DPP Taiwan

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Page 1: DPP Newsletter Sept2013

SEPTEMBER 2013

PAGE 1

DEMOCRACY & PROGRESSDPP: President Ma leading democracy to backslide

The DPP held an international press conference on September 30 to discuss the current constitu-tional 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, de-mocracy and human rights to become part of Taiwan and receiving the affirmation of the in-ternational community. However, these hard-worn democratic assets are now facing the greatest threat.

“From the current information that has surfaced so far, Presi-dent Ma and the executive branch has already conducted unconstitutional and illegal ac-tions that are even more serious than the US’ Watergate Scandal. It is right to call this time’s inci-dent: “Congressgate”.

“The truth has yet to surface, but what we are certain of is this:

• The Special Investigation Division (SID) has for a long time been illegally wiretapping the Legislative Yuan, ille-gally publicizing the wiretapping tran-scripts. 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 po-litical party and has criticized the le-gitimacy of the legislative speaker. The evidence is clear, and this is a serious

Page 2: DPP Newsletter Sept2013

SEPTEMBER 2013

PAGE 2

insult to the power of supervision as well as to congressional independence.

• The President took the initiative to meet with SID’s prosecutor-general to discuss the investigation of judicial cases. This is a clear evidence of presidential interfer-ence 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 su-pervision, 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 sepa-ration.

“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 pro-pose 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 Presi-dent, 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

demonstrates a serious distrust and disproval of the President and the Premier’s 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 consti-tutional moves to stop the administration from further violating the constitution. The possible options include: the impeachment or recall cam-paign 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 Ma’s unconstitutional acts. As a result of this scandal, Taiwan is now experiencing an unac-ceptable degree of political chaos and social in-stability. The people clearly object what the ad-ministration 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 Taiwan’s 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 can’t 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 Taiwan’s democracy!”

Page 3: DPP Newsletter Sept2013

SEPTEMBER 2013

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DPP celebrates 27th Anniversary

The DPP celebrated its 27th anniversary, hosting a reception with foreign diplomats and representa-tives 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 DPP’s 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 DPP’s 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 Su’s remarks in full:

“Members of the diplomatic community, distin-guished 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 free-dom 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 mar-tial law and to abolish the rule by emergency de-cree. Taiwan democracy is not yet perfect, as mani-fested 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 4: DPP Newsletter Sept2013

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very high marks and approval ratings in every sin-gle survey. As you can see, we may not be the larg-est 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 im-proved 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 en-ergy, 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 Taiwan’s future.

“Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, here I would like to present to you the “Green New Deal” as the DPP’s pledge for Taiwan’s 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 contro-versial and potentially dangerous 4th Nuclear Power Plant. We will push hard on renewable en-ergy sources. In particular, we will promote some-thing Taiwan is very good at: LED and LVD light-ing and the use of solar panels. “We have recently concluded a comprehensive re-view 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.

“Social justice is also our top priority. The recent dispute over land acquisition and Service Trade Agreement with China, the death of a young sol-dier, 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 ex-pand our relations internationally based on this pre-cious 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 con-tinue 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 in-dustry, and a green island country economically and politically. To us, green is clean, green is refresh-ing, 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 particu-lar, 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 back—better, 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.”

Page 5: DPP Newsletter Sept2013

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Around twenty-four international participants com-ing from political parties, research institutes and civil society organizations in the Asian region gathered in the southern city of Taiwan, Kaohsi-ung, 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: Is-sues 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 Din-ner Reception hosted by the Kaohsiung City Gov-ernment. Kaohsiung City Deputy Mayor Ms. Liu Shyh-Fang received the delegates. Present also in the evening gathering were DPP Legislator Bi-Khim Hsiao, Mr. Liu Shih-Chung, director of the

DPP’s Department of International Affairs and American Institute in Taiwan Kaohsiung Deputy Branch Chief Mr. John Hartman.

Conference meetings immediately began the fol-lowing 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 South-east and East Asia Dr. Rainer Adam, Philippine Presidential Adviser for Environmental Protection and CALD Secretary General Hon. Neric Acosta, and Kaohsiung City Environmental Protection Bu-reau Deputy Director Ms. Jennifer Chen.

Moving forward to the core agenda of the confer-ence, the international leaders convened on a ses-sion on Best Practices in Governance and Legisla-tion. Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia Head of Inter-national Relations and Affairs Mr. Ng Lip Yong chaired the session with four (4) distinguished speakers: Former Deputy Governor of Bangkok

DPP organizes climate change conference with Asian NGOs

Page 6: DPP Newsletter Sept2013

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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 Min-istry 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 Envi-ronmental Conservation Committee Advisor Mr. Tun Lwin from the National League for Democ-racy, Burma; and Ecological Agricultural Devel-opment 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 expe-riences 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 DPP’s Repre-sentative to the United States Dr. Joseph Wu.

Chair Su pointed out in his speech that, “We need leaders to take charge in formulating climate change policy, and make the necessary invest-ments towards sustainable development.”

Former DPP Chair Yao Chia-wen was also present during the closing ceremonies, and delivered clos-ing comments on the DPP’s involvement in pro-viding legal aid for those who were affected by industrial pollution and government land repatria-tion.

According to Mr. Yao, he said that the “Environ-ment is a political issue.” And in the course of a 3-day 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 organiza-tions 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.

Page 7: DPP Newsletter Sept2013

SEPTEMBER 2013

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DPP: President Ma has breached separa-tion of power by unlawful means!

On Sept. 9, Chair Su Tseng-chang of the Demo-cratic Progressive Party attended a meeting in the Legislative Yuan to consult with DPP legislators on their views regarding the upcoming legislative ses-sion. 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 ille-gal means in carrying out a crude political manipu-lation to defeat a political rival and expand his own power. “The constitutional crisis ignited by Presi-dent 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 un-der permanent surveillance.” Legislator Ker Chien-ming is the whip of the DPP’s 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?”

Page 8: DPP Newsletter Sept2013

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Prosecutor-General Mr. Huang Shih-ming has pub-licly admitted this morning that the relevant case was initially classified as a criminal matter, the in-vestigation of which was concluded on Sept. 5. However, on Aug. 30, Prosecutor-General Huang reported his findings to President Ma. “Isn’t this an illegal breach of the confidentiality of ongoing in-vestigations?” President Ma not only did not avoid getting involved with the issue, he in fact inter-vened with the judiciary and interfered with the proceeding of an individual case, committing a se-rious violation of the principle of separation of powers and causing an enormous crisis of constitu-tional governance. “President Ma, what exactly did you say in that meeting on Aug. 30? What direc-tions did you give to Prosecutor-General Huang Shih-ming? Could it be that President Ma is not ac-countable to provide a clear ex-planation of these events to the various sectors of society?”

With regard to President Ma’s ac-cusations 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 influ-ence any further proceedings.” Moreover, the other party to the case has also de-nied being lobbied by Mr. Ker, nor have the inves-tigatory 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 Ma’s 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 il-legal actions, and the use of unlawful means to

carry out political infighting and suppress dissent, are all extremely serious matters.

President Ma has employed illegal means in carry-ing out a crude political manipulation to defeat a political rival and enhance his own power. Presi-dent Ma himself is responsible for this constitu-tional 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 constitu-tional separation of powers. We demand that Presi-dent 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

Page 9: DPP Newsletter Sept2013

SEPTEMBER 2013

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DPP thanks U.S. Congress for improving Taiwan’s international participation at ICAOReacting to the announcement last Friday, Septem-ber 13, that Taiwan’s Civil Aeronautics Administra-tion (CAA) has been invited to attend the upcoming assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organi-zation (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 lead-ing role that each played in bringing about this im-portant step forward for Taiwan’s international par-ticipation.

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 Sep-tember 26 to October in Montreal, Canada, as his special guests. Although this unique arrangement falls short of the full observer status that Taiwan’s government origi-nally sought, it nevertheless marks the first time in over 40 years that Taiwan has had any representa-tion at ICAO. “We are very grateful to all of Taiwan’s international friends and allies who have spoken out in support of expanding Taiwan’s presence in international or-ganizations 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 partici-pate 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 pres-

ence for Taiwan in international forums in the long run.”

Page 10: DPP Newsletter Sept2013

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DEMOCRACY & PROGRESS

PUBLISHED BY:

Department of International Affairs Democratic Progressive Party

9F, No. 30, Pei-Ping East Road, Taipei, Taiwan

Tel: 886-2-2392-9989 ext. 306Fax: 886-2-2393-0342

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.dpp.org.tw