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TAIPEI: - More than a month after corruption charges were first laid out against him, former president Chen Shui-bian hit back yesterday by launching his defence in a pre-trial hearing, as well as a new book.
Chen and his wife, Wu Shu-chen, were indicted last month on charges of embezzling NT$104 million (S$4.6 million) from a special presidential fund, receiving bribes worth at least US$9 million (S$13.4 million) in connection with a government land procurement deal, and laundering part of the funds by wiring the money to Swiss bank accounts.
The couple, as well as their son and daughter-in-law, are also accused of money laundering.
'I admit I am not just pursuing de facto Taiwan independence, but more so de jure Taiwan independence. China and the United States are not wrong in their criticism of me. I'm what they say, a seeker and executor of de jure independence.'
Chen Shui-bian on being a champion of Taiwan independence
'I haven't washed my own clothes for a long time. The first time I was jailed, other inmates helped me with the laundry. This time I have to DIY. I have no choice but to get used to it.'
On having to do his own laundry in prison
'Instead of giving shopping vouchers, why don't they cut tax? Why must (President) Ma Ying-jeou go against the opinion of many and a policy which has been adopted by many countries?'
On the new government's move to distribute US$2.5 billion (S$3.7 billion) worth of shopping vouchers to all Taiwanese to encourage people to spend
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