The spin is no longer believable - TW

[dArKeR]

Saturday, Mar 06, 2004,Page 8

For most in the international audience, the hottest issue in the March 20 election lies largely in the impact the referendum will have on the triangular relationship between Taipei, Washington and Beijing. They must be confused,then, by the fact that it is a convicted fugitive, not the presidential candidates, who has been attracting most of the media attention in recent weeks.

Why is the Chinese-language media so preoccupied by former Tuntex Chen Yu-hao (???) and his myriad of accusations against President Chen Shui-bian (???) and his family? Why should voters care about what one of the nation's most wanted fugitives has described as a political persecution campaign against him by the government?

The Cabinet announced a NT$10 million reward for information leading to Chen Yu-hao's capture last year. He is wanted for embezzlement and fled Taiwan leaving outstanding bank debts amounting to several billion dollars. As is so often the case, the media have been happy to air his accusations without demanding he provide concrete proof of his stories first. He has an axe to grind with the administration and has chosen the most sensitive time to launch an offensive and the media has been happy to play along.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/edit/archives/2004/03/06/2003101371