On February 15, President Chiang Ching-kuo, at the second Plenary Session of the twelfth Central Committee of the Kuomintang, nominated Li Teng-hui as his vice-presidential candidate. At the same session the president paid special tribute to outgoing vice-president Hsieh Tung-min. President Chiang praised the vice-president for his many years of devotion and outstanding service to the Kuomintang party and to the nation. He wished the outgoing vice-president good health and happiness in the years ahead.
Amid resounding applause, the unassuming and soft-spoken outgoing vice-president stood up to make his reply. He thanked the president and fellow committee members for their kind words. Switching topics he urged all committee members to give their full support to the new vice-presidential candidate, Li Teng-hui. Hsieh congratulated Li and wished him all the best in his new post.
The seventy-eight-year-old statesman has diligently served his country and people in a number of political posts for the past forty years. He joined the ranks of the Kuomintang when he was attending university in mainland China. Upon his return to Taiwan in 1945, he began his political career as a magistrate in the Kaohsiung County assembly. Displaying both a strong sense of honesty and modesty he moved up the political ranks to serve as provincial government secretary, assistant speaker of the provincial assembly, speaker of the assembly and finally provincial government chairman. In 1978, Hsieh was nominated and successfully appointed to the post of vice-president of the Republic of China.
During his term as vice-president, Hsieh has always been noted for his upstanding honesty and personality. He has worked tirelessly for many important social issues and is remembered for always making time to meet with and listen to the problems of others. The thoroughness with which he deals with government affairs has earned him high marks and great respect from his colleagues.
With his retirement Hsieh plans to concentrate his efforts on the advancement of education and especially the establishment of a women's university. Despite his retirement from his post as vice-president, Hsieh Tung-min will still be active in giving his best to his nation.
(Gerald Hatherly)