Following the collapse of the mass recall campaign, President Lai’s approval rating has reached its lowest point. On one side, tariff negotiations between the Executive Yuan and the United States are deadlocked; on the other, the DPP central leadership has unnecessarily sparked a gender controversy. With both party and government in turmoil, President Lai has chosen silence and invisibility.
Anxious DPP supporters can no longer hold back, directing harsh criticism at the president. Yet Lai has not directly responded, offering only ceremonial words. Facing the relentless pressure from both the KMT and TPP, the DPP seems helpless.
I, too, have views on President Lai’s governance. But I have refrained from speaking out. If I join the attacks, it will only give the opposition reason to laugh. If I defend him, people will say I have been co-opted.
Caught in this dilemma, I decided to write an open letter that speaks to both sides. Though it is a “cover-all-bases” letter, I wish to be sincere: to ease the anxieties of our supporters and also to offer some counsel to President Lai.
Words to My Fellow Supporters
In recent days, disappointment with President Lai, doubts about the DPP’s future, and even declarations of “I can’t vote for them anymore” have been voiced within our base. I understand these emotions and want to share some heartfelt thoughts:
1. I support the DPP because its values best align with my own. Other parties are not an option, so I will not say I cannot vote for them.
2. I do not see party support as a favor, nor will I use emotional blackmail. If the DPP helps realize my ideals, then supporting it means supporting myself.
3. I criticize the DPP to make it better, not to destroy it. If it collapses, no true alternative exists, and others would be worse.
4. I want the DPP to be the best party, not a perfect one. Since perfection is impossible, my criticism will not be nitpicking, nor total denial.
Words to President Lai
I also have some words for President Lai. I understand the challenges of governing with a minority in the legislature, but this does not mean nothing can be done. Here is my advice:
1. A sense of history: A leader must think about their place after leaving office. Do what benefits the country regardless of praise or blame. History records achievements, not character.
2. A sense of responsibility: Success or failure of the administration is Taiwan’s success or failure. The cost of failure is borne by the people. The ruling party must not allow chaos unchecked.
3. A sense of right and wrong: First distinguish right from wrong, then take the correct side before considering politics. Tactics without principle only lead to dead ends and loss of trust.
4. A sense of inclusiveness: A democratic leader needs both a campaign team and a governing team. The former can be exclusive, the latter must be inclusive. Governance requires talent beyond the campaign circle.
My Final Word
I am merely a professor who enjoys commentary. I seek neither power nor wealth. I hope to use my academic training to observe Taiwan deeply and share insights. My career is nearing its end; I have accepted life’s course. My only wish is always to have a democratic, open homeland to return to. That is why I write this open letter.
Original link : https://www.facebook.com/weng.da.rui
