Taiwan Leaders Boycott Debate

Lawmakers in Taiwan’s ruling party boycotted the start of a debate today on a proposal to hold a referendum on ousting President Chen Shui-bian because of alleged family corruption and incompetence.

“We want the people to see how ridiculous this recall motion is,” said Lai Ching-teh, a legislator with the president’s Democratic Progressive Party.

But opposition leader Ma Ying-jeou went on television and urged the ruling party to stand on the side of justice and clean government.

During a prime-time televised address Tuesday, Chen struck back at his rivals, working his way through a long list of arguments the opposition has used to justify the campaign to drive him out with two years left in his second term.

“Clean government is my highest principle,” Chen said as he denied allegations that his wife, Wu Shu-chen, accepted gift vouchers from the Sogo department store. “If my wife took Sogo vouchers, I promise I would step down. This promise will never expire.”

Lawmakers plan to vote on the referendum issue Tuesday, but the opposition isn’t expected to win the two-thirds majority required for approval.