‘LONG OVERDUE’:James Soong responded to growing calls for an apology for suppressing freedoms of the press, speech and language while serving under the KMT
Taipei Times
Date: , Aug 22, 2015
By: Stacy Hsu / Staff reporter
People First Party (PFP) presidential candidate James Soong (宋楚瑜) yesterday bowed
People First Party (PFP) Chairman James Soong bows to apologize for his role in the pain inflicted on Taiwanese during the Martial Law era as he released his second presidential campaign video yesterday in Taipei. Photo: CNA
in apology for what he said were long-term, excruciating pains suffered by Taiwanese nearly four decades ago, amid growing calls for him to apologize for his roles in the Chinese Nationalist Party’s (KMT) suppression of the freedoms of the press, speech and language under its one-party rule.
“I would like to express my regret for the harms and wounds that once existed in this island of Taiwan… I also want to extend my apologies to those afflicted with such long-standing and agonizing pains,” Soong told a press conference held for the release of his second campaign video in Taipei yesterday morning.
“We must not forget how many families were torn up and how their emotional sufferings have been passed down from generation to generation. I can now relate to such pains. My apology is long overdue,” Soong said.
Having served in numerous positions under the regimes of former presidents Chiang Kai-shek (蔣介石) and Chiang Ching-kuo (蔣經國), the 73-year-old seasoned politician has been facing calls following his announcement for presidential candidacy earlier this month to face up to the skeletons in his closet. [FULL STORY]
