In her National Day Address on Oct. 10 last year, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said: “As we face unique international circumstances and rapidly changing challenges, if we do not move forward, we will move backward.”
She admitted that there had been areas of her governance that had not met expectations. She said that those in power in a democratic country can never be complacent, and that “each act of governance must bring the people greater satisfaction.” She said that although her term would soon come to an end, Taiwan would continue moving forward.
As Monday’s inauguration of incoming president William Lai (賴清德) and his new administration approaches, let us call upon everyone in Taiwan to fully support the government.
Since legislators elected in January were sworn in three months ago, there has been a series of chaotic situations in the Legislative Yuan.
Everyone concerned should bear in mind that the most crucial factor for Taiwan’s social stability is trust.
Our current in-person voting system is still the best option, and it would be very unwise to push for the highly controversial option of absentee voting.
With regard to major bills, the Democratic Progressive Party should seek the support of the majority of legislators, and should not limit itself because it holds a minority of seats.
As to how, if at all, the Legislative Yuan should be reformed, any such reform should be centered on the values of democracy, freedom, independence and self-determination.
The Chinese Nationalist Party’s (KMT) practice of putting China’s interests above those of Taiwan should be firmly opposed.
When it becomes necessary, the nation’s Constitution should be rewritten to solve Taiwan’s long-standing constitutional problems.
The importance of pension reform should also not be overlooked. The government must forge ahead with reform to safeguard Taiwan’s development and long-term interests.
Furthermore, the large number of Chinese spouses and family dependents coming to Taiwan would increase the burden on healthcare services, so the government must take a rational view of proposed legal amendments regarding the National Health Insurance program, so as to safeguard Taiwan’s healthcare resources and personnel.
In the field of education, we need to teach the next generation to understand Taiwan’s multicultural values.
The education system should clearly explain the importance of Taiwan’s sovereignty, democracy and freedom. It should encourage students to participate in civil society. Education should emphasize respect and equality between genders.
The young generation should understand environmental protection and the challenges facing sustainable development.
National defense is essential for ensuring Taiwan’s security. Strategic goals, policies and their implementation should stand above party-political positions.
All parties should work to promote and strengthen the policy of all-out defense and establish an all-out defense promotion committee.
Let us hope that the new Cabinet, with its emphasis on artificial intelligence and innovation, would promote Taiwan’s humanistic education, and use cultural and creative industries to promote local creativity.
As Taiwan’s democracy grows more resilient, it would make Taiwan stronger and more prosperous as it marches toward a new age of artificial intelligence.
Pan Wei-yiu is the secretary-general of the Northern Taiwan Society.
Translated by Julian Clegg
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