◎ Zaimi
At the National Day Convention on October 10, Legislative President Han Kuo-yu alleged that some Taiwanese people want to turn Taiwan into the 51st state of the United States, the fifth largest island of Japan, or the 31st province of China. He lamented that Taiwanese people are confused and ideologically divided, and asked political parties to resolve differences in national identity. If these words came from personal political comments, they could be expressed publicly; however, he was delivering the speech as the Legislative President and Chairman of the National Day Preparatory Committee.
Legislative President Han Kuo-yu delivered a speech at the National Day Convention, saying, "Some Taiwanese want to make Taiwan the 51st state of the United States, some want to make Taiwan the fifth largest island of Japan, and some want to make Taiwan the 31st province of China." (File photo)
The National Day Convention is not an occasion for political parties to build momentum. Facing politicians from both the ruling and opposition parties, foreign envoys and representatives from all walks of life, Hanguo-yu's speech carried the symbolic weight of a national ceremony. Is he talking about his personal position or the common opinion of the Legislative Yuan? If it is the latter, when did the Legislative Yuan formulate such a position?
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Democratic societies may have different views on the future of the country. Unification, independence, maintenance of the status quo or other political concepts can be openly discussed and criticized, but they should not be lumped together as ideological confusion by the Speaker of Parliament during national celebrations. Do the political ideals proposed by the people need to be approved by the Legislative Yuan first?
Hanguo-yu also talked about peace on the grounds that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait "have the same culture and race" and share festivals and ancestor worship. This can be a personal view of history and political beliefs, but it cannot be regarded as a national identity accepted by all Taiwanese people. Taiwan has different ethnic groups and historical experiences; the pursuit of peace does not mean that political affiliation can be determined by common ancestors.
In the same speech, Hanguo-yu said that political parties can have different positions, different opinions, and even have heated debates, because this is democracy. Since political parties have their own views on democracy, why do people's different ideas about the future of the country become a mess that needs to be resolved?
The National Day Assembly belongs to all the people and not to any political figure. The position of the Legislative Yuan is not a megaphone for personal thoughts. The picture shows the Air Force Thunder Tiger team flying over the presidential palace in a formation of five Brave Eagle high-education aircraft. (File photo)
The National Day Assembly belongs to all the people, and people with different political stances should feel that they are the masters of the country. In particular, as the head of the National Assembly, the Legislative President should abide by his public responsibilities and not speak of his personal identity as an answer that should be accepted by all people.
Han Guoyu can stick to his political beliefs, and people also have the right to maintain different ideals. The National Day podium belongs to the country and not to any political figure; the position of the Legislative Yuan is not a loudspeaker for personal thoughts.
(The author is a retired person)
