DPP Year 2000 Policy Manifesto
Abstract
November 24, 1999
Taiwan requires an accountable and transparent
government as the new basis for national development. At the dawning of the new
century, Taiwan must strive to cultivate a peaceful and stable atmosphere to foster
development, and establish a modern democratic government. This is in order to
increase Taiwan's economic competitiveness to meet the challenges of globalization, create
a dynamic and plural civil society, and foster a living environment that enables
sustainable development.
To grasp the direction of Taiwan's development
in the next millenium, an examination of the global environment as a whole is
necessary. There exists a clear trend towards globalization. Such a trend includes
the intertwining global economic networks that have crossed boundaries to bring world
competition in various fields. In addition, the decreasing role of the state as a
controlling agency has meant a shift in the relationship between the central government
and its citizens from hierarchical authority to cooperation. Moreover, environmental
issues have now emerged as transnational issues and are no longer viewed in opposition to
issues of economic development. Furthermore, there is a clear change in the
operation of international politics. In the new multi-polar world, competition amongst
nations has shifted from a strictly military level to a realm of "comprehensive
power", which means the focus of national security has expanded to encompass not only
military security but economic and social security as well. To effectively respond
to these changing global trends, Taiwan must find a new mode for development.
In the spirit of reform, the Democratic
Progressive Party (DPP) is prepared to accept this difficult challenge. With full
responsibility and maturity, the DPP is committed to work hand-in-hand with the people to
complete the historical task. In essence, we have adopted a new approach to
governing that involves these fundamental values:
Bottom-up public participation process in
politics;
Responsibility and accountability;
Proactive and comprehensive risk management;
Political decisions based on the people's
practical daily living experience
Under half a century of KMT authoritative rule,
there existed numerous obstacles to Taiwan's national development. These include enmity
across the strait; Taiwan's diplomatic isolation; a chaotic political system and corrupt
political culture dominated by criminal gangs; a handicapped financial system; vague
industrial policies; distorted social development; unfair allocation of resources;
excessive destruction of the environment and inadequate national land planning. These
historical obstacles must be overcome so that we may establish a nation that strives in
international competition and create a fair, secure and normal basis for development.
We present the DPP Year 2000 Policy Manifesto in
order to meet the challenges of the new century and to fulfill our new responsibilities.
The DPP 2000 Policy Manifesto represents a contract with our fellow citizens for opening a
new era of comprehensive national reform. We hereby outline five pledges for the
next century:
1.
A Security Network with Regional Cooperation and Interdependency
In line with the global trend of regional
cooperation, interdependency, and the complication of geopolitics, Taiwan's national
security should focus on developing a multilateral security cooperation network. Along
with this Taiwan must increase its profile in regional affairs by engaging in a diversity
of issues, such as trade liberalization and democratization, to compensate for Taiwan's
international political isolation. Furthermore, we must maintain an efficient yet credible
deterrence force to preempt any belligerent action towards Taiwan. Finally, we must
strive for pragmatic, equal and harmonious cross-strait relations in order to bring about
general normalization.
2.
Partnership in Government with Decentralization and Broadened Participation
The core solution for government reform, at all
levels, lies in the adjustment of government functions. To respond to the trend of
globalization and rapid changes in society, the current centralization of money and power
must be adjusted. Economic power and political decision-making must be distributed to
local governments and the people. It is important to increase the extent and breadth of
democratic participation and local autonomy. In the area of public finance, improvements
must be made regarding: first, a balance of decision-making authority and financial
resources between the central government and local authorities; second, just and fair tax
programs which would abolish outdated preferential tax treatment and subsidies. By
developing efficient, accountable, transparent and just new government, we must re-build
public confidence in government, to reinvigorate the positive energy of society. In
the next century, we will make the government become the partners of the people, the
communities, and the society at large.
3.
Knowledge-based Economy with Technological Innovation and Transparent Competition
The core solution to the problem of securing a
safe economic system lies in both the normalization of the relationship between politics
and business and the increase in economic and industrial competitiveness.
Supervisory measures should be established to monitor financial reform, risk management
and warning systems should be established, and fairness and transparency should be
strengthened to enhance the normalization of government-business relations. In
terms of industrial policy, it is crucial to place an emphasis on technology innovation,
development of knowledge-based industries, trade liberalization, active promotion of
industrial innovation and adoption of modern technologies, and continuing education and
training of human resources. We also emphasize the crucial role of the small and
medium sized enterprises to continue their pivotal status in Taiwan's economic
development. Assistance should be provided in strengthening international marketing
skills, upgrading old-fashioned industries and decreasing the adjustment cost in
structural changes. In order to encourage industrial development, the government must
dedicate itself to improving the environment, increasing transparency and efficiency, and
providing sufficient basic infrastructure.
4.
Active Civil Society with Dignity
The core solution to the problem of social
reform lies in three steps: the improvement in the quality of education of citizens;
provision of equal and fair opportunity for individual development; and providing an
environment of a diverse and self-confident civil society. Through a well-rounded
educational policy, we could cultivate creative citizens who are capable of independent
thinking. Through a solid social welfare system, we could guarantee our citizen's
livelihood and invest in our human capital. Through a good labor policy, we could
coordinate labor and capital to increase the competitiveness of our industry. Through a
family policy of gender equality, we could make families gardens of individual
growth. Through our community policy initiated on cultural development, we would
shape the new values of a new Taiwanese civilization. It would be a civilization in
which citizens identify with the land where their livelihood is based upon and where their
citizens enjoy full participation in public affairs. We would cultivate a democratic and
progressive society, which offers equal opportunity to its citizens and possesses great
creative energy.
5.
A Secure and Sustainable Living Environment
The core solution to improving the quality of
the environment lies in maintaining a balance between economic development and
environmental conservation. The adjustment of economic structures should take into
consideration the following: standards for sustainable development; integration with
international environmental protection trends; and the encouragement of low energy, low
pollution, and high value-added industries. We would promote an environmental tax
and offer economic incentives for green industries, in order to seek a win-win situation
for industry and the environment. At the same time, it is important to encourage
public participation in issues relating to environmental protection and the quality of
living; establish mechanisms for negotiation and democratic decision-making on
environmental issues; strengthen the implementation of environmental evaluation; institute
a fair and reasonable national land-management plan; and ensure balanced and harmonious
sustainable development.
The year 2000 is a crucial year for Taiwan.
With a careful examination of global trends and the domestic environment, the DPP
proposes a new vision for the development of our country into the next century. We
are confident that only our party is capable of fulfilling this historical "new
responsibility!"
Now, a mature, responsible and reform-oriented
Democratic Progressive Party is ready. We once again ask for the support of our
fellow Taiwanese people!
Democratic
Progressive Party
DPP
Mission in the United States
|
