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Chen Shui-bian waves as he leaves prison. Photo: AP

Corrupt former Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian has no further role to play in politics

Taiwan's future, whether the island's people like it or not, lies with the mainland. Former president and convicted criminal Chen Shui-bian may not see it that way.

Taiwan's future, whether the island's people like it or not, lies with the mainland. Former president and convicted criminal Chen Shui-bian, freed from prison on Monday for a month on medical parole, may not see it that way, but any interference in politics on his part will do harm internationally as well as domestically. His time has passed and his party has a new leader and direction. It is in the interests of Taiwanese that he respects the terms of his release.

Chen's unwavering pro-independence stance while in office divided Taiwan. It split his Democratic Progressive Party and took it from power. But he still has support, especially in Taiwan's south and among the party's pro-independence faction. That puts him at odds with DPP leader and presidential hopeful Tsai Ing-wen, a moderate on mainland matters.

Those differences have led to a belief that Chen's release is politically motivated. The ruling Kuomintang was routed by the DPP in local government elections in November, prompting the resignation of its chairman, Ma Ying-jeou, the island's president. Freeing Chen, who has served six years of a 20-year term for corruption, could conceivably heighten factional in-fighting in the DPP and hamper its chances of regaining power when presidential polls are held next year. Unity is essential if it is to maintain the ground it has won.

When in office, Chen damaged the DPP's relations with foreign governments by not keeping promises and springing surprises. The party is still treated with scepticism in overseas capitals, despite Tsai's best efforts to repair the damage. That lack of trust is further reason for Tsai, the party and its supporters to keep him at arms length.

The terms of Chen's parole mean that he cannot engage in political activities, although he can write articles to support himself. He may be tempted, though, to strengthen his political standing in the DPP through his connections and friendships. That would be a mistake for the party and Taiwan. He should instead take care of his health and keep out of politics.

 

This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: Chen has no role to play in politics
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