Focus Taiwan
Date: 2019/03/18
By: Liang Pei-chi, Ozzi Yin and Elizabeth Hsu 

New York, March 17 (CNA) Visiting Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲), a potential independent candidate for Taiwan’s presidency in 2020, told New York University students Sunday that the one thing to avoid when running a country is believing one can change it overnight.

Ko has yet to confirm whether he will run in the presidential race, but the fact he could is of great interest to Taiwan’s media thanks to his popularity among young voters. The workshop with NYU students drew a full house of 400 on Sunday.

The outspoken physician-turned politician told the audience how he went from a career as a doctor at National Taiwan University Hospital to mayor of the capital city.

In a 30-minute speech, Ko said that he has always thought of the U.S as “honest,” adding that although President Richard Nixon resigned in 1974 due to the Watergate scandal, “Taipei political circle would be empty if anyone telling a lie had to step down.”
[FULL  STORY]