Democracy in Taiwan-- a boon or a bane?

Ever since Chiang Kai Shek lost the battle with the Communists and fled to an island to the east of China called Taiwan, the very intriguing subject of cross-straits relations between Taiwan and its giant neighbour China has been a never-ending saga. This is of little interest to the average Singaporean, except when it comes to Taiwan being a holiday destination.

As a result of the incessant bombardment of advertisements selling Taiwan as a tourist destination, I signed up for a tour package that brought me to the capital of the Chinese entertainment world. In fact, I wondered why it has taken me such a long time to consider making a visit, since I am pretty familiar with well-known Taiwanese artistes both past and present-- from 费玉清 to 周杰伦. Of course, I am also drawn by the beauty of Taiwanese female artistes appearing on Taiwanese variety shows, this much I must admit. But this is just a tiny, weeny, minor distraction (ok...I am lying alright?).

The major distraction, however, is the interest and passion shown by the Taiwanese in politics, exemplified by our local tour guide tasked with orientating us to Taiwan. I am blessed in that the tour group is comprised of a bunch of very pleasant Singaporeans who helped make the trip an enjoyable one. Shopping at 西门町, eating snacks at night markets such as 士林夜市, taking in the beautiful sights at natural reserves such as 日月潭,you have the makings of a great holiday.

I say, leave politics aside!

While it is generally considered a boon to be interested in what takes place around you, it is really a double-edged sword: how often have we witnessed on TV, and heard, of the anarchy and impasse in Taiwanese society brought about by political in-fighting between the two dominant parties? Keen political pundit I am not, but I can appreciate the observation that it is a society 'crippled' by its political culture and 'unique' brand of democracy--having countless TV stations debating political issues every night, and having elections every other year.

I am not sure if I want to live in such a country where everything is politicised; but on the other hand, I am not sure if I could be particularly proud of being a citizen of a country where the pendulum swings to the other extreme--where only political debate within extremely tight OB markers is tolerated.

It is the desire of every human being to be respected and allowed to express themselves without fear and coercion. On the evidence of my very short trip to Taiwan, it seems the case that their people do have freedom, but perhaps too much of it...while our group has had too much of its street snacks:)

For a short introduction of the important historical figure 孙中山who is termed 国父in Taiwan, and what his political beliefs are, this video clip will be interesting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwb1Mnpp3hs