KMT Chairwoman Cheng Backs Lai Yi-jen at Campaign Office Opening, Urges Focus on Serving People
Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Taipei City Councilor candidate Lai Yi-jen officially opened his campaign office on August 20.
- Several prominent Kuomintang (KMT) figures, including party chairwoman Charlena Cheng, attended to support Lai.
- Cheng presented Lai with a gift of frozen garlic, symbolizing good fortune and encouraging him to remember that politics serves the people.
Taipei City Councilor candidate Lai Yi-jen officially opened his campaign office on August 20, drawing a crowd of prominent Kuomintang (KMT) figures. Party chairwoman Charlena Cheng was among the attendees, personally showing her support for Lai, who is running in the first constituency of Taipei City (Shilin, Beitou).
So his height is taller than me, and he looks taller than me.
Cheng presented Lai with a symbolic gift of frozen garlic, a play on words in Mandarin for "to be elected" or "to win," wishing him good luck. She recalled knowing Lai for a long time, noting his high education and aspirations. Cheng acknowledged that Lai's political journey has not been easy, having started from grassroots work and faced significant challenges, including a recall attempt. She described his path as a period of intense testing and growth, particularly in the face of opposition.
The challenges and setbacks he faced, the relentless pursuit by those in power, and the suppression of his passion for politics by state machinery...
"The challenges and setbacks he faced, the relentless pursuit by those in power, and the suppression of his passion for politics by state machinery..." Cheng said, reflecting on the difficulties Lai has encountered. She expressed empathy for his parents, who must worry about their son potentially losing everything or even facing imprisonment due to his political ideals.
But it can also be seen that Yi Ren's determination and attitude in politics have not wavered because of this.
Despite these hardships, Cheng praised Lai's unwavering determination and attitude. She highlighted his upcoming campaign as a crucial step for a young politician, emphasizing the need for him to connect with local needs and understand the concerns of ordinary citizens. Cheng lauded Lai's recent anti-drug hunger strike during the summer heat as a testament to his resolve, calling him a vital new force for positive development in Taiwan's politics. She encouraged him to remain true to his original aspirations and remember that serving the people is the ultimate purpose of entering politics.
I also sincerely admire and am moved by his determination, believing that such young people entering politics are not only a blessing for the Kuomintang but also very important fresh blood for the positive development of Taiwan's politics.
Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.