TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — As recall campaigns sweep Taiwan, award-winning 90-year-old Hakka writer Lee Chiao (李喬) stepped up to remove KMT Legislator Chiu Chen-chun (邱鎮軍) in Miaoli on Thursday.
By Monday, campaign groups had submitted 47 recall proposals to the Central Election Commission, with officials targeted from all three main political parties, per CNA. Meanwhile, over 200 Taiwanese authors issued a joint statement on Monday supporting the campaign to prevent unqualified legislators from “destroying Taiwanese literature,” per RTI.
In a statement on Thursday, Lee called it his “responsibility and obligation as a Taiwanese citizen” to lead the effort to recall KMT Legislator Chiu Chen-chun (邱鎮軍) in Miaoli's second constituency. He said democracy was threatened so he chose to “stand up to resist injustice.”
“Taiwan's democracy was achieved through the hard work of countless people and we must never retreat because of threats and fear,” according to Lee. “Legislators should serve the people, not betray their constituents and harm the local community.”
Lee said citizens should take action when political power strays from the path. He said the recall is a “democratic mechanism, not a personal grudge” to defend the will of voters.
Lee added, “I have used literature all my life to resist the injustice and unreasonableness in the world. Now, I choose to write history with actions, uphold our independent spirit, and refuse to surrender.”
After the recall group's former leader stepped down, the group reported difficulty finding a new leader until Lee finally volunteered. Members said Lee, who was born in Miaoli, showed enthusiasm to lead the group, which is mostly comprised of young and middle-aged activists.
The recall group is expected to submit documents to the Central Election Commission on Thursday to recall Miaoli legislators Chiu and Chen Chao-ming (陳超明).
The Hakka are one of Taiwan’s ethnic and linguistic groups. Miaoli County Government continues to promote Hakka language and culture.
