Iconic political activist and onetime chairman of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party Shih Ming-te announced May 21 his bid to contest the 2016 ROC presidential election, vowing to steer Taiwan out of its current predicament.
“Taiwan is facing six pressing challenges that will escalate into crises if we do not face them with honesty and openness,” Shih said. “Reconciliation is the only way forward.”
According to Shih, he plans on promoting political cooperation among different parties and social reconciliation among all ethnic groups if he succeeds in taking the nation’s top job.
“The priority will be to organize a Cabinet comprising members of the DPP, Kuomintang, other voices in society and those aged under 39. It is vital that power and the benefits of the state are shared by all.”
Shih believes Taiwan’s future development hinges on cross-strait relations, which also impact regional peace and security. He proposes a five-pronged approach to the matter, including no unilateral change to the status quo of coexistence between the ROC and mainland Chinese governments with respective jurisdictions.
Another key plank in Shih’s platform is a greater one China framework for addressing issues of concerns to both sides, ranging from foreign relations to participation in international organizations.
In terms of more efficient governance, Shih plans on revising the ROC Constitution and changing the central government to a cabinet system via a referendum within two years. “This will ensure uniformity between power and responsibility,” he added.
Regarding social justice, Shih is committed to balanced regional development and equitable wealth distribution, among other measures, so as to safeguard the rights of each and every member of society.
“I also vow to eradicate corruption with new laws and implement comprehensive legislative reform through public plebiscites so the nation’s laws better reflect the changing needs of the society,” he said. (SFC-JSM)
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