A New Advocate for Judicial Reform

On April 8, 1987, the Standing Committee of the Kuomintang Central Committee approved President Chiang Ching-kuo's nomination of Vice Premier Lin Yang-Kang for the office of President of the Judicial Yuan. High-level personnel shuffles are always a focus of public attention, and this one particularly so.

Lin Yang-Kang is known for his "guts" to say what he thinks, and as a consequence, news reporters always press him as far as they can with probing questions. And he delivers. Once, when asked how reform of the Judicial Yuan should be gone about, he replied: "I don't understand much about what is past, but I take full responsibility for what happens in the future."

Some say that politicians often worry about overexposure by the media.

"I don't worry about that," Lin replied, "I don't make a special effort to seek out media exposure, but I certainly don't run away when asked to give my thoughts on an issue."

President Chiang issued a directive on December 24, 1986, concerning the need for major reform of the judicial system. This was to be another step in the series of political reforms begun last year; the first step of this process was moves toward lifting martial law and allowing the formation of new political parties. Lin Yang-kang is now to be one of the major architects of this judicial reform.

Lin Yang-kang "worked his way up from the bottom." He started out as a civil servant in the Nantou County government, and proceeded on to a series of increasingly higher offices, including mayor of Taipei, provincial governor of Taiwan, minister of the interior, and vice premier of the Executive Yuan. What stands out most are his concrete accomplishments and his charisma. As mayor of Taipei, he pushed through the merger of a large number of city bus companies, the building of the Chienkuo Road viaduct, and construction of the Feits'ui Reservoir.

Lin Yang-kang is originally from Nantou County, and speaks Mandarin with a homey Taiwanese accent that puts his listeners at ease. He is a warm and caring person without bureaucratic pretense. He is said to frequently remind the guards at his residence not to turn away barefoot people from the country coming to see him !

Lin Yang-kang is also known for his ability to "hold his liquor" and for his ready sense of humor.

The new Judicial Yuan head is distinguished by his openness and candor, a Chinese "great communicator." Almost as soon as his nomination became public, friends came knocking at his door, or called, or wrote with their ideas and suggestions for judicial reform. At his swearing-in ceremony he made his own priorities clear: 1. to rectify judicial style and atmosphere, and protect the integrity of the judicial process; 2. to strengthen measures to benefit and convenience the people; 3. to change working conditions for judges; and 4. to review the entire judicial system with an eye to implementing innovation and improvement where needed.

On the matter of Lin Yang-kang's "charisma," he modestly says that it is just a kind word that the media have put in for him. He considers the substance of "charisma" to be empathy, and the ability of the people to identify with a public personality and what he stands for. He believes that a leader who uses his knowledge and experience for the public good will be accepted by the people.

One typical aspect of Chinese culture and society that unavoidably spills over into politics is jen ch'ing, or the obligations of personal relationships. When this sensitive matter was alluded to in the interview, Lin replied immediately and candidly that it was indeed a problem. Many times he has been approached by "friends" seeking special treatment or favors. Once, when he was serving as minister of the interior, for example, someone tried to get Lin to authorize the release of a brother being held in police custody. His answer in such cases in an unequivocal "no." Chinese have social obligations to help others, Lin points out, but friendship and business must be clearly separated. One cannot succumb to social pressures and compromise between right and wrong.

But can a person with as much human concern as Lin really make the sweeping changes that are being pushed for in this current wave of reform? Lin doesn't foresee any conflict between the two. "I directed major reforms in the past as mayor, provincial governor, and minister of the interior and I can do it again," he affirms, "even if I have to change my style some what to adapt to the more conservative image of the Judicial Yuan."

Lin Yang-kang grew up under the strict country work ethic that you reap only what you sow, and shuns opportunism. While he readily admits that he has some apprehensions about his new office, he believes that by sticking to his principles of honesty, substantive work, and kindness to others, he should be able to weather any potential storms ahead.

"Well," he concludes, "I got this far, didn't I?"

[Picture Caption]

Lin Yang-kang receives the official seal from his predecessor Huang Shao-ku (left) while Presidential Advisor Chang Pao-shu (center) looks on.

Cordiality is one of the outstanding characteristics, of "Ah Kang-po," a s Lin is affectionately known. (photo by Chung Yung-ho.)

In a stolen moment of leisure from his past role as chairman of the provincial government, Lin takes time for a picture with members of a younger generation. (photo courtesy of Lin Yang-Kang.)

In this photo from August, 1979, Lin is Nantou County caused by the overflow of inspecting the damage to a road and bridge in a mountain lake.

"Ah Kang-po" shares a drink with friends.

Lin enjoys a happy moment at home amidst four generations of his family. (photo courtesy of Lin Yang-kang.)

Cordiality is one of the outstanding characteristics, of "Ah Kang-po," a s Lin is affectionately known. （photo by Chung Yung-ho.）

In a stolen moment of leisure from his past role as chairman of the provincial government, Lin takes time for a picture with members of a younger generation. （photo courtesy of Lin Yang-Kang.）

In this photo from August, 1979, Lin is Nantou County caused by the overflow of inspecting the damage to a road and bridge in a mountain lake.

Ah Kang-po, share drinks with friends.