Taipei, Aug. 5 (CNA) Former opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Chairwoman Tsai Ing-wen unveiled an online forum Sunday ahead of the launch of a foundation she has established to focus on social issues.
Describing it as a movement to explore a path for Taiwan's future, Tsai named several issues she thinks should be discussed, such as the economy, ties with China and social order, in her opening article for the "Thinking Taiwan" forum.
"If nobody is doing the thinking for us, we have to do that ourselves. Once we clearly think things through, we'll carry it out ourselves," wrote Tsai.
The suggestion, Tsai said, came as people begin to realize that the country and the government might not be thinking for them, as used to be commonly believed.
Tsai also pointed out that the political division makes it difficult to build a consensus in society, while the judiciary system's lack of credibility is another missing piece in Taiwan's democracy.
On ties with China, Tsai suggested further exploring China's views on the world and Taiwan, better understanding the Chinese government and people, and looking into the situation facing China-based Taiwanese businesses.
With the belief that there is demand for what she described as "rational discussion," Tsai said she is willing to make the effort for Taiwan, even though people might call her naive.
Cheryl Lai, chief editor of the online forum, said film director Wu Nien-jen and writer Li Yuan have been invited to write for the website, which also plans to have articles "from people in Hong Kong and China."
Meanwhile, a foundation set up by Tsai to debate public policies and care for people in need will be officially launched the following day.
Lin Chuan, who will be the executive director of the foundation, said that forums, workshops and speeches will be organized to discuss public policies.
Lin also noted that a private workshop for academics to discuss new models for Taiwan's economic development is scheduled to take place Aug. 14-15.
In addition, the foundation plans to use its connections to help charity groups, Lin said.
The funding for Tsai's foundation, according to her office, is from the remainder of the government subsidies and donation for her failed campaign in the Jan. 14 presidential elections.
(By Sophia Yeh, Justin Su and Kay Liu)
ENDITEM/J