PDF(2.7mb) - 國家政策研究基金會

112 Taiwan Development Perspectives 2009
I insist that to establish an autonomous community
for the indigenous peoples with the protection of
the Constitution is the only way for them to determine
their future and be their own maters with their rights
and benefits intact under any different political systems
or despite a change in time and space. This is in line
with the worldwide policy trend vis-à-vis ethnic minorities
that emphasizes the spirit of autonomy and
self-determination. For the indigenous peoples in Taiwan,
self-determination does not mean their breaking
away from the country to establish another political
entity with sovereignty. It means that they control their
own destiny in their autonomous community within the
country. It is necessary to establish such a community
to dispel their anxiety for the future. All the laws President
Ma has promised for the indigenous peoples have
to be adopted as soon as practicable.
Deng Xiaoping had a famous “one center, two
basic points” quip for peace across the Taiwan Strait.
As for me and my indigenous self-determination
scheme, his “one center” can be our free and democratic
political system in Taiwan and the “two basic
points” are our constitutional protection of the rights of
the indigenous peoples and the establishment of their
autonomous community. Currently, the one center (free
and democratic state) is in place. So is one of the two
basic points, constitutional guarantee of the protection
of the rights and benefits of the indigenous peoples.
The missing basic point is the establishment of an autonomous
community. When that missing basic point is
back in place, Taiwan’s policy for indigenous peoples
will be the world’s best ethnic minority policy. A free
and democratic governmental can establish an autonomous
community for the indigenous peoples where
they are their own masters and can also make it possible
at the same time for them to enjoy their rights and
benefits protected by the Constitution when they leave
their community to make a living in Han Chinese society.
It is a perfect indigenous policy.