Peng Mingmin, one of the leaders of Taiwan’s independence movement and former senior minister of the presidential administration, died early on the 8th at the age of 98. Xie Changting, the representative to Japan who partnered with Peng Mingmin in the 1996 presidential election, posted on Facebook to remember his memory. He wrote: “This morning, the news of Mr. Peng Mingmin’s death came from Taiwan. I was very sad and temporarily stopped working. also came to my mind.”
Xie Changting recalled: “When I was studying at National Taiwan University, Mr. Peng was already a well-known scholar of international law in the world. We all know that he was arrested for publishing a declaration of self-help, but during the martial law era, except for a book on international law in the library, everything else was passed down by whispers. The taboo story of the Taiwanese is a distant democratic fighter in Taiwan. Mr. Peng returned to Taiwan in 1992, and in 1996 he represented the DPP in the presidential election, and I partnered with him to run for vice president.”
Xie Changting mentioned that the Kuomintang candidate was former President Lee Teng-hui at the time. Taiwanese had great expectations for him, and even some common friends and entrepreneurs came to persuade Peng Mingmin and him not to attack Lee Teng-hui. After returning, Peng Mingmin asked him what he thought. He replied that Peng Mingmin would not swear at people originally, but in the election of political parties, what should be criticized should be criticized. Peng Mingmin smiled and said, why would anyone attack an individual in a presidential election? During the election, Peng Mingmin really did not criticize Lee Teng-hui for his personal problems.
Xie Changting pointed out that everyone knew that the presidential election was very difficult, but the first presidential election after the Democratic Progressive Party formed a party was still a must. A little provocation also hurt morale, but Peng Mingmin did not publicly express his dissatisfaction with this. Peng Mingmin is a presidential candidate and is older, so he has to deal with long-distance campaign trips such as going to Penghu, Kinmen, etc., as well as debates or media visits.
Xie Changting continued: “Because many people are not optimistic, it is not easy to raise funds. Professor Peng has many students, including Lien Chan, Shi Qiyang and some business people. However, they are politically sensitive and most keep their distance. Fortunately, Lin Minsheng and Lin Chengyi died. The loyal students held on firmly, and raised campaign funds by selling commemorative gold and silver coins.
Xie Changting said: “The 1996 presidential election was a nationwide election, and the process set off a wave. The New Culture Team has called on many young people to join in. He is also very happy and motivated. I am impressed by Yao Wenzhi and Tong Zhenyuan (carry secretary), Ye Julan (Director-General), Su Jiaquan (Deputy Director-General), Guan Biling (Executive Director-General), Zhao Tianlin, Ruan Zhaoxiong, Lin Yaowen (Youth Department) and others have all been affirmed by the wave, their ideas and abilities, and gradually surfaced on the stage.”
In addition, Xie Changting revealed that Peng Mingmin looked serious on the surface. In private, there is actually a humorous side. I remember one election when they went to Kaohsiung seafood store to eat puffer fish skin. He talked about an artist in Japan who was poisoned by puffer fish. , everyone was stunned, and then burst into laughter.
Xie Changting emphasized that Peng Mingmin is a gentleman of character, consistent with his words and deeds, and inclusive, but he also adheres to principles and leaves many examples. For example, Peng Mingmin campaigned with Lee Teng-hui, but they met with Lee Teng-hui later, and the two had a normal conversation, as if they had forgotten about it. This demeanor of letting go after the election is also worth learning from the younger generation.
Xie Changting finally said that after the election, Peng Mingmin was very dissatisfied with the practice of a few members of the DPP to promote reconciliation with the KMT New Party during the general election. The method followed Peng Mingmin’s advance and retreat, but he still admired Peng Mingmin’s spirit of sticking to principles. He even went to the beach in Lincoln, the United States, to visit Peng Mingmin’s life in hermitage, and they reunited happily. Everything has passed, I pray that Peng Mingmin rests in peace in the spirit of heaven, and the family mourn.
Peng Mingmin, one of the leaders of Taiwan’s independence movement and former senior minister of the presidential administration, died early on the 8th at the age of 98. Xie Changting, the representative to Japan who partnered with Peng Mingmin in the 1996 presidential election, posted on Facebook to remember his memory. He wrote: “This morning, the news of Mr. Peng Mingmin’s death came from Taiwan. I was very sad and temporarily stopped working. also came to mind.
Xie Changting said that after the election, Peng Mingmin was very dissatisfied with the practice of the DPP minority who promoted reconciliation with the KMT New Party during the general election. He believed that it violated his own principles, so he established the National Assembly and finally quit the party. Following Peng Mingmin’s advance and retreat, but still admiring Peng Mingmin’s spirit of sticking to principles, he also went to the beach in Lincoln City, the United States, to visit Peng Mingmin’s life in seclusion and reunited happily. Everything has passed, I pray that Peng Mingmin rests in peace in the spirit of heaven, and the family mourn.
Xie Changting and Peng Mingmin partnered in the 1996 presidential election.Photo: Flip through Xie Changting’s Facebook
Xie Changting and Peng Mingmin partnered in the 1996 presidential election.Photo: Flip through Xie Changting’s Facebook
Xie Changting said that the 1996 presidential election was a nationwide election, and the process set off a wave.Photo: Flip through Xie Changting’s Facebook