[War] Republic of China: "Swearing In"

[Alan Tang]

“Swearing In”
President Tang Wai Kiat
Republic of China
September 20, 2006

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With the resignation of President Chen still fresh in the minds of the 
Taiwanese population and the media still reeling in what little details 
around the nature of his resignation, Tang Wai Kiat and his advisors from 
the DPP (Democratic Progressive Party) as well as a strict handful of 
reporters and cameramen gaggled around the state hall in the Presidential 
Building. They were ready to begin a brief, swearing in ceremony for the 
purpose of assuring the people of continuity within the state. With them was 
Weng Yeuh-sheng, President of the Judicial Yuan to officially swear in Tang.

Weng with the large book containing the ROC’s constitution placed in 
directly in front of Tang. “Mr. Tang if you’ll please lay your hand on the 
constitution and read the oath,” Tang politely bowed in acknowledgement and 
did so as directed by Weng. “I, Tang Wai Kiat, swear that, in the Office of 
the President of the Republic of Ta--- “ he paused for a briefly before 
turning towards the camera and frowned before smiling. This was not the time 
to be pushing his own political statements to the world and especially to 
the PRC. “I, Tang Wai Kiat, swear that, in the Office of the President of 
the Republic of China, I will uphold and defend the Constitution of the 
Republic of China, bear allegiance to the Republic of China and serve China 
conscientiously, dutifully, in full accordance with the law, honesty and 
with honor and integrity and be held accountable to the Legislative Yuan and 
the People of the Republic of China”

Weng Yeuh-sheng, a supporter of the Pan-Chinese KMT obviously displeased 
with Tang’s ‘misreading’, did his best to hide his displeasure in swearing 
in what would no doubt be a polarizing figure to Taiwan and the PRC. Instead 
he bowed in respect to the new President and extended his hand in respect. 
“Congratulations, Mr. President”

Though the hall was largely empty and there couldn’t have been more than a 
few dozen individuals in the hall, the halls still echoed with applause and 
cheers. Tang Wai Kiat proceeded to go about the hall and shake hands with 
various officials and politicians for the cameras. He then proceeded to the 
podium set up by the media in anticipation of a statement. He looked about 
as he grew blinded by the camera flashes, even then he came across as 
satisfied, fulfilled and Presidential.

”I took this oath tonight to bring about the continued stability of our 
young yet sacred democratic institutions. On your part you have demanded 
that governments and state leaders be held accountable to the people and 
only the people, for my part I have fulfilled that commitment. My role is to 
serve out the rest of former President Chen Shui-Bian term and to maintain 
the stability and security of our borders. However aside from continuing the 
legal duties that rest with this office, I promise to draft out a new fresh 
social agenda for the Republic to help jobs lost to the mainland and to 
activate new economic programs and initiatives to jump start the economy and 
encourage foreign investment. By year’s end I resolve to bring about 
sweeping reforms on our constitution. Such of which is to make this office 
more effective towards our legislative process with the power of veto and to 
call national referendums unilaterally. With that said, I ask you the people 
who are demonstrating on the streets to return back to your normal lives, 
and to continue to work to grow this grand republic. In order to flourish 
this grand republic no matter our political views must stand united against 
the world. Come tomorrow, the winds of change will begin to flourish, thank 
you.”

OFF:

-Tang Wai Kiat is officially sworn in as the President of the Republic of 
China
-outlines speech in which the agenda for the rest of this administration 
will focus on social oriented agenda (social spending in helping poverty and 
downgrading unemployment) and a expanded economic focus in deterring the 
loss jobs from the ROC to the PRC
-promises to visit the constitutional issue of legislative veto power and 
the right to call national referendums (which the President currently does 
not have)