“Mr. Democracy“ Lee Teng-hui passed away

Former Taiwan President Lee Teng-hui passed away on Thursday (July 30, 2019) after long illness. President Lee was 97 years old.   President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) expressed her deep sadness at Lee’s passing.     President Lee had been hospitalized since February, when he choked on a mouthful of milk at home.   He was later diagnosed with pulmonary infiltrates and aspiration pneumonia.   During President Lee’s hospitalization, President Tsai Ing-wen visited him several times.   On Wednesday, the day before Lee’s death, President Tsai, Vice President Lai and Premier Su went to the hospital together to comfort Lee’s family.    Taiwan government set up a traditional funeral bier at the Taiwan Guest House, so Taiwan’s leaders and its people can pay their respects to former President Lee Teng-hui there.    The memorial will remain open until Aug. 16. No official word has been given on funeral arrangements.  

President Lee held the office from 1988 to 2000.  He brought direct elections and other democratic changes to Taiwan.   Newsweek magazine called Lee “Mr. Democracy” and credited him as the "architect of Taiwan's modern democratic system," which was widely considered as "a shining example of citizen-centric governance for the region and the world."   The White House issued a statement said "Lee led Taiwan through its transition from authoritarian military rule to a prosperous, free, and open society. He will always be remembered for his strong commitment to democratic principles and human dignity".   Also the U.S. National Security Council (NSC) mourned Lee's death in a post on Twitter.   "We offer our deepest condolences to the people of Taiwan and the loved ones of former President Lee Teng-hui, the first popularly elected leader of Taiwan. 'Mr. Democracy' was a champion for freedom and the architect of Taiwan's free and open society," the NSC wrote.