Acquittal on Appeal, the Beginning of an Arduous Journey

Acquittal on Appeal, the Beginning of an Arduous Journey

A Statement from Ma Ying-jeou Dec. 28, 2007

Upon learning of the verdict of acquittal on appeal, my mood is calm. I know this is just another beginning, the beginning of an arduous journey with no letup of hard work ahead.

Upholding the tenet of integrity for my whole life, I felt deeply aggrieved by the indictment on charges of corruption by the prosecution last Feb. 23. What was even more unacceptable was that the prosecution had distorted witnesses’ testimonies during investigation, and indicted me with incorrect transcripts of testimony. At the same time, the prosecution applied different standards for determining criminality in cases of an identical nature, which constitutes an obvious dereliction of duty. Furthermore, the prosecutorial system hesitated to unify divergent opinions from local prosecutors offices, allowing the wheel-spinning of judicial and social resources. This is also a dereliction of duty.

Receiving unfair treatment, I still remain confident about my integrity and expect that justice will prevail. Every time, I went to the court hearings with peace and composure. As a Hakka proverb goes, “It’s difficult even for high mountains to cover up the sun,” meaning that truth will be out eventually. Now, six trial judges of the Taipei District Court and the Taiwan High Court, one after the other, have cleared my name, amply demonstrating the improper indictment and groundless appeal by the prosecution.

After nearly ten months of trial proceedings, I have deeply realized the general public’s feelings and pressures put on them when facing investigation and trial. It’s true that I place more emphasis on integrity than life. But more importantly, I realize even better that, since injustice has been placed on me, it is possible that it might be imposed on others. Therefore, I want to solemnly pledge to the public today that, if elected President, I will do my utmost to a build a fair and just Taiwan, with a trustworthy justice system so that the people will receive equal justice before the law.

At this moment, when the ruling of acquittal was handed down by the appeals court, I feel heavier responsibilities on my shoulders. In order to keep its regime, the ruling party has exerted all possible means, including legal, against me. Now for the ruling party, although it has suffered a setback in the judicial route, I believe it is just the beginning for other fierce oppressions. In the road ahead for the election campaign, there will be only more perils and difficulties.

For Taiwan’s future, we will have to face stern challenges with calm and steadiness. Let us strive together to build a truly fair, just and clean country under the rule of law.

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