Former Kaohsiung mayor Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) topped the Chinese Nationalist Party’s (KMT) list of legislator-at-large nominations for the Jan. 13 elections, while the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) listed Jing Chuan Child Safety Foundation CEO Lin Yue-chin (林月琴) in its first spot.
The legislator-at-large nominations showed that the focus of the KMT and DPP were different, and it is obvious which is better.
Despite having millions of “Han fans,” Han’s political career has revealed his desire for power, highlighted in his shenanigans to polarize and divide the electorate. In his astronomical rise in 2018, he rode a wave of impractical expectations and the delusions that certain extremely enthusiastic Taiwanese have of politicians.
The KMT listed Han atop its legislator-at-large list to appeal to the former Kaohsiung mayor’s support base, hoping they would bring some of their infectious enthusiasm to the party. In other words, the KMT cares more about divisiveness and polarization than it values contributions to society or image, showing how the KMT places cronyism over talent.
By contrast, although Lin has no political experience or throngs of fawning fans, she has spent her time working on child and youth protection and social welfare, caring for the most vulnerable groups.
Putting her in the top spot of its legislator-at-large list means that the DPP appreciates her hard work and hopes she could keep working on the issues in the Legislative Yuan.
The top candidates from the two parties possess different qualities, indicating different political values and prospects for Taiwan. Political parties should not keep talking about the people and the nation without doing anything. Instead, they should consider public welfare a priority and change radical advocates’ thinking, to promote social harmony and cooperation.
Chen Chi-nung is a political commentator.
Translated by Chien Yan-ru
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