Four More Years: Taiwan Must Move Forward

Four More Years: Taiwan Must Move Forward
by President Ma Ying-jeou
Translated by Bevin Chu
July 2, 2011

Vice President Siew, Honorary Chairman Wu, Distinguished elders, fellow citizens across the nation: Good morning! How are you!

Today our party has nominated myself and comrade Dun Yi as its presidential and vice presidential candidates, in the Republic of China's 13th presidential election. We feel grateful. But we also feel a heavy burden of responsibility.

First of all, I would like to thank Vice President Siew. As we all know, Smiling Siew is my fiscal policy advisor. He intends to retire. But privately he has assured me that he will make frequent trips to central and southern Taiwan. He wants to help the party and me win this election. When I heard that, I was deeply moved! Let's give him a big hand and thank him!

I would also like to thank Honorary Chairman Lien. Ten years ago, the KMT was going through its most difficult moment. He ensured the party's survival. In 2005, he embarked on an ice-breaking Journey of Peace to the Mainland. He blazed the way for a new era of of cross-strait relations. Let's give Chairman Lien a big hand. Let's to pay tribute to him, and to show him our gratitude!

I also want to thank Honorary Chairman Wu. Three years ago, he stepped up during a time of crisis, and led our party to victory. He helped me find my current job. Brother Hsiung, I am afraid you may need to come forward yet again next year, to help our party remain in office, and to make srue I have the opportunity to keep serving you. Am I right?

I also want to thank Legislative Yuan President Wang. Without his leadership in the Legislative Yuan, many of our epoch-making reforms would have been impossible. I sincerely hope, we all hope, that he will continue leading us in the Legislative Yuan, Let's join hands and work alongside each other in our common struggle!

Today, there are simply too many distinguished elders, compatriots, and friends, that I want to thank! On the one hand I am thanking of all you. On the other hand I am begging you. Over the next six months, we will be forced to fight an uphill battle. I will fight by your side, shoulder to shoulder, in pursuit of victory. The next four years will make Taiwan even better.

People's Feelings and Expectations

Three years ago, 7.65 million voters supported the KMT's return to office. We feel indebted to them. I understand what the people want. The people want direction. The people want action. The people want progress. The people want change!

During the past three years, we did our utmost to meet the people's expectations. We have already brought about many changes. During the next four years, what additional changes will we bring about?

Clean and Transparent Government

First, we will fight corruption. We will establish clean government. Over the past three years, we did not discrimate between Blue and Green. Whenever we encountered a scandal, we investigated. Whenever we encountered corruption. we prosecuted. Corrupt officials from the previous administration are before a judge as I speak. Others are already behind bars, including former President Chen. Last year, the Special Investigation Unit indicted seven High Court judges suspected of corruption. The court of the first instance imposed heavy sentences. More recently, procurement scandals have erupted in several DOH hospitals. Several hospital administrators have been taken Into custody. These too were the result of the rise of anti-corruption units.

These prosecutions have sent a clear message. As long as Ma Ying-jeou is president, he will not tolerate corruption!

Recently we amended the Corruption Offences Ordinance. We amended the phrase "bribery that does not violate one's official duties." Henceforth, if a civil servant accepts a bribe, both those who offered the bribe and those who accepted the bribe will be punished. This is the only way to curb the unhealthy custom of bribery. We also passed a Judges Law, which will oversee judges and prosecutors, and eliminate the tiny minority of bad apples.

On the 20th of this month, the Ministry of Justice will establish its own version of an Independent Commission Against Corruption. The public has been looking forward to such a commission for ten years. Now on our watch, it has finally become a reality. Now, along with prosecutors, our ICAC will form an anti-corruption iron triangle.

Distinguished elders. Fellow countrymen. Isn't the government cleaner than when the DPP was in office?

This is not us boasting. This is the international community speaking. Take the battle against international money laundering. The Republic of China is now the only Asian Pacific nation that does not require evaluation. [Translator's note: the sentence 台灣已經成為亞太地區唯一不用再評鑑的國家 does not merely imply, but explicitly asserts that "Taiwan is a nation." It must be changed to "The ROC is a nation."] In the recently released Transparency International Corruption Perception Index, the Republic of China's national ranking has risen from 39th place to 33rd place in two years. [Translator's note: the sentence 在國際透明組織發布的各國貪腐印象指數排名中，台灣已經連續兩年進步 strongly implies that "Taiwan is a nation." It must be changed as well.]

Distinguished elders, think about it. If we permit the DPP to return to office, will they really ensure clean government?

Just give me four more years, and we promise to turn the Republic of China government into a model of clean government for all of Asia. People from Taiwan will be able to walk tall, and walk proud in international society!

Dynamic Economic Growth

Secondly, over the past three years, we have reversed the decline in Taiwan's economy. We have restored its vitality. During the DPP's eight years in office, it padlocked the doors of the nation. The result was that businessmen from Taiwan and foreign investors moved out, never to return. Once we took office, we removed these shackles. We adopted an Open Door Policy. Taiwan's economy underwent a transformation. It changed from a stagnant pond into a babbling brook. Over 100 billion in capital has flowed back to Taiwan. Foreign investors are now prepared to invest over 100 billion more.

Last year, our economic growth rate rose to 10.88%, a 24-year high. We ranked second in Asia, and fourth in the world. Over the last six quarters, we experienced over 6% in growth. Consumer prices remained stable. In Asia we were second only to Japan, and ahead of the three other Asian tigers.

When the DPP was in office, the Republic of China's per capita GDP was only 17,000 USD. This year it will exceed 20,000 USD. This is an important milestone in the Repubic of China's economic development.

During the DPP's eight years in office, gross productivity increased a mere 2600 USD. By contrast, once we came into office, it increased 2600 USD, in three short years. I ask you, which political party knows how to grow the economy?

Between August 1998 and May 2011, our workforce increased by 385,000. Unemployment dropped from 6.13% to 4.27%. It is now the lowest in 33 months, and is still falling. Wage income has shown positive growth for 18 straight months.

Not only that, when the economy improves, employment rises, and the suicide rate drops. Last year, the number of suicides fell 517 from its peak in 2006, when the DPP was in office. For the first time in 14 years, suicide is no longer one of the top 10 causes of death for Republic of China citizens.

In May of this year, the Swiss based IMD released its global competitiveness report. The Republic of China ranked sixth in the world, the highest rank in recorded history. Over the past two years, the Republic of China has moved up 17 places, the fastest of any nation on the planet.

My fellow countrymen, our economy has been revitalized. Just give us four more years, and I promise that our competitiveness will continue to increase, that our incomes will continue to rise, and our unemployment will continue to fall.

Social Justice and Dignity

Distinguished elders, over the past three years, the KMT has been working hard caring for the socially disadvantaged. We are even more concerned about generational justice. When the Democratic Progressive Party was in the opposition, it sided with the socially disadvantaged. But the moment it was in office, it forgot all about them. Now once again, the DPP is masquerading as the champion of the downtrodden. It is accusing the KMT of ignoring the socially disadvantaged. Since that is their accusation, let us review our achievements while in office!

In April 2007, elderly farmers had fallen on hard times. I led the way and called for an increase in farm subsidies, from 5,000 NT to 6,000 NT. KMT legislators authored a bill. It was passed into law in July. But the ruling DPP Executive Yuan began blocking it. Then Vice Premier Tsai Ing-wen is now the Democratic Progressive Party's presidential candidate. According to media reports, she opposed any increase in the farm subsidy. She even became agitated, and swore that she would engage in tax resistance if it was adopted. Does that sound like concern for farmers? Does that sound like concern for the disadvantaged?

The National Pension has been a bone of contention for years, But the bill passed when the DPP was in office was detrimental to farmers. Once we took office, we amended the law. We removed farm subsidies from the National Pension program. That enabled the National Pension to operate on schedule. Individuals not covered by military insurance, civil service insurance, labor insurance, or farm insurance, would now receive coverage. This ensured the livlihood of 3.88 million elderly. We recently added a 17,000 NT lump sum subsidy for pregnant women. In the future, even more people will benefit.

My fellow countrymen, the KMT cares about labor rights. In the past, labor insurance lacked an annuity, It was a one-time payment. The amount was paltry, not enough for old age. If the investments failed, inflation would leave working men and women in even more dire straits.

Not long after taking office, we overcame all sorts of obstacles. We passed the Labor Insurance Annuity, enabling workers to live long enough to receive benefits, to be protected longer, and receive benefits longer. We have ensured the basic livelihood of retired workers. We would like ask the DPP, why didn't you do this when you were in office?

The KMT is also concerned about the health of the elderly. Low-income or disabled elderly persons will now receive government subsidies for dentures. This will enable them to chew their food, and eat what they want. The maximum subsidy per person is $ 40,000 NT. Approximately 13,000 people will benefit. The government is also promoting long-term care. Because to care for the elderly, is to care for ourselves.

We are also concerned about young people. Last year we promoted a unified public and private high school tuition program. If a household's annual income is under 900,000 NT, private high school and vocational school tuition fees will be the same as for public schools. An estimated 270,008 people will benefit. Private school students could save as much as 33,000 NT a year. Over three years they could save as much as 100,000 NT. This constitues an historic change in private schooling.

We are also concerned about Aboriginal students, Beginning last year, high schools were made tuition free. Approximately 25,000 people will benefit.

Also, in September of this year, vocational school students from households with an annual income under 1.14 million NT, will not be required to pay tuition. The number of beneficiaries may be as high as 490,000. Vocational school students could save up to 40,000 NT per person per year. Over three years, they could save 130,000 NT. This amounts to a revolutionary change in vocational education. Its impact will be far-reaching. These tuition reforms are effective ways to care for disadvantaged students.

Last year, the government implemented free tuition for 5-year-old children of Aborigines and residents of outlying islands. In September of this year, this policy will apply to the nation as a whole. Young parents will gain relief from economic pressure. An estimated 260,000 young children across the nation will benefit. This is another historic reform in our nation's education.

Beginning on July 1 of this year, the amended Social Assistance Act will go into effect. We have raised the poverty line from 8,000 to 9,000 NT, what it was when the DPP was in office, to 10,244 NT. We have also relaxed the requirements for disadvantaged status. The number of beneficiaries will go up from 260,004 to 852,000, an increase of 58,000. This is the most direct and concrete way in which we are caring for the disadvantaged.

In June of this year, we began levying a luxury tax on short-term real estate speculation, in an effort to close the gap between rich and poor. We ask the DPP, what did they while they were in office? Did they really care for the socially disadvantaged?

Consider social welfare measures. Over the past three years, we have done more than the ruling Democratic Progressive Party during its entire eight years in office. We did more. We did it better. But of course not as much as we wanted to do.

If our fellow countrymen will give us four more years, I promise to promote even more social welfare programs, to help even more of the socially disadvantaged.

Cross-Strait Peace and Prosperity

Distinguished elders, over the past three years we have accomplished yet another major task. We have transformed the Taiwan Strait from a danger zone to a peace corridor.

Over the past three years, under the constitutional framework of the Republic of China, we have improved cross-Strait relations. With the 1992 Consensus and One China, Different Interpretations as our foundation, we have adhered to the principles of "reciprocity, dignity, and mutual advantage." We have "put Taiwan first, and benefitted the public." We have created an unprecedented environment of peace.

Over the past three years, the two sides have signed 15 agreements, including a "cross-strait economic cooperation framework agreement" (ECFA). We have established cross-Strait direct flights. We have enabled Mainland tourists to visit Taiwan. We have implemented joint crime fighting initiatives. We have facilitated more orderly cross-Strait exchanges. Our people's rights are more secure, and our businesses are more competitive.

DPP county chiefs and city mayors are now elbowing each other aside in an effort to jump on the bandwagon. A DPP Kaohsiung Mayor visited the Mainland in order to promote the World Games. A DPP Yunlin County Chief, a DPP Pingtung County Chief, and DPP former Tainan County Chief are visiting the Mainland in order to promote the sale of Taiwan grown fruit. A DPP Tainan Mayor is currently fighting for cross-Strait direct flights to and from Tainan.

The actions of these DPP county chiefs and city mayors have broken ideological shackles. We applaud them. We support them. Their actions do not constitute "pandering to Beijing" or "selling out Taiwan."

These actions by DPP county chiefs and city mayors prove that the KMT's cross-Strait policy benefits the people. DPP party leaders should have the courage to admit that their policies no longer meet the needs of the people, and that they have no right to accuse the KMT of "pandering to Beijing" or me of "selling out Taiwan."

If the DPP persists in saying one thing while doing another, then it is engaging in duplicity, and behaving like a hypocrite. During the DPP's eight years in office, cross-Strait relations walked a dangerous tightrope. The DPP's ambivalent attitude toward the Republic of China made it impossible to ease cross-Strait tensions. If the Democratic Progressive Party returns to office, cross-strait relations will regress.

I guarantee that if we are re-elected, over the next four years, we will uphold the constitutional framework of the Republic of China, we will base our policy on the 1992 Consensus and One China, Different Interpretations. We will adhere to our policy of "no immediate reunification, no independence, and no use of force." We will promote peaceful and mutually beneficial relations with the Mainland.

As long as I am president, I will not hold cross-Strait reunification talks. I will firmly oppose Taiwan independence. I will firmly oppose the use of force to resolve cross-Strait issues.

Cross-Strait relations will abide by the principle of "first economics, then politics, first the urgent, then the less urgent, first the easy, then the difficult." We will maintain a pace that is "just right," facilitating more peaceful cross-Strait relations and making the economy more prosperous.

The future of Taiwan cannot be decided by the president. The interests the public on Taiwan must take priority. The future of Taiwan must be decided by the 23 million Republic of China citizens who live on Taiwan, in accordance with the Republic of China Constitution.

I will firmly defend the Republic of China's sovereignty, and maintain the dignity of the public on Taiwan. This is my commitment to the people. I have kept it. I am keeping it. I will continue keeping it.

Friendly International Space

During the DPP's eight years in office, it engaged in "wartime diplomacy," leaving the nation battered and bruised in the international arena. It squandered a fortune, undermined the Republic of China's international reputation, and lost six diplomatic allies.

Over the past three years, we have been promoting pragmatic diplomacy. As a result, the Republic of China is no longer regarded as a troublemaker in the international community, but instead as a peacemaker. We no longer promote checkbook diplomacy, but rather humanitarian diplomacy. Our international image has improved accordingly.

Earlier this year, US President Barack Obama praised the two sides for signing ECFA. He continues to support the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. Our own Department of Health Director has attended three consecutive World Health Assembly sessions. This has not happened in 38 years. In May of this year, the director of the US Department of Health held a press conference at the World Health Assembly. He solemnly declared that no UN body can unilaterally decide Taiwan's status.

On April 11 of this year, Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan published an open letter. He thanked everyone on Taiwan for the hand of friendship extended Japan during earthquake relief efforts. The Republic of China contributed more aid to Japan than any other nation. On May 11 of this year, the EU adopted a resolution supporting the Republic of China. It signed an "Economic Partnership Agreement" and supported the Republic of China's participation in international organizations. Over the past three years, the EU has passed 13 resolutions friendly to the Republic of China.

During the DPP's eight years in office, 54 countries and regions granted our citizens visa free or visa on demand treatment, The number did not increase. Today, we enjoy visa free treatment from 116 countries and regions. The number has more than doubled. Why? Because our nation is now respected, and our citizens have dignity. This constitutes a vote of confidence by the international community in our nation's image and in the character of our citizens.

These unprecedented changes were not manna from heaven. They were the fruits of three years of joint effort by the government and the public. They reflect the international community's changed perception of the Republic of China.

Distinguished elders, my fellow countrymen, please give me four more years. I will fight for visa-free treatment for even more countries and regions. The Republic of China will participate in even more international organizations. We will sign even more economic cooperation agreements. These are all happening as I speak. We do not want, nor can we tolerate the DPP overturning them. Am I right?

We Have the Ability, We Have the Courage

During the DPP's eight years in office, slogans proliferated, but problems went unsolved. We, on the othe hand, have both the ability and the determination to solve problems.

Our fellow countrymen in Hualien are concerned about the Suhua Expressway. The DPP was unable to resolve the problem. We resolved it with the Suhua Alternate. We passed the once controversial Hualien Area Development Act. With 40 billion in funding over a 10 year period, we will develop the infrastructure in Hualien and Taitung.

When the DPP was in office, it promoted the Kuo Kuang Petrochemical Plant project. After we took over, controversies arose. Environmental considerations limited its utility. We decided to halt construction, but also to support the restructuring and upgrading of the petrochemical industry.

We merged and upgraded several cities and counties. We restructured the Executive Yuan. These are all things the DPP could not accomplish. We accomplished all of them.

Consider one example. Rice wine is a seasoning every family uses for cooking. The price was 20 NT a bottle. But in 2003, when the DPP was in office, it succumbed to pressure from Europe and America. It raised the price of Taiwan rice wine to 180 NT a bottle. Consumers balked. Sales plummeted, from 210 million bottles per year to 750 million bottles per year, a 96% drop. Inferior quality rice wine flooded the market. The public raised a hue and cry. But the DPP government was helpless. What could the public do? All it could do was wait for another party to take over.

After we took office, internationally, we made diplomatic overtures to other nations. Domestically, we amended our nation's laws. Last September, rice wine prices plummeted, from 180 NT a bottle to 25 NT a bottle, an 86% drop. Estimates are that the market will rebound to 150 million bottles, 20 times what it was. I ask you, which political party is more competent? Which political party has more courage? Which political party in fact looks after people's rights?

Over the past three years, public safety in the Republic of China has improved by leaps and bounds. Contrast 2010 with 2007. The number of criminal cases decreased 24.4%. Fraud decreased 29.3%. Thefts decreased 40.8%. Violent crimes decreased 44.3%. Counties and municipalities experienced a 68% public safety satisfaction rating, a 9% increase.

Take fraud, which the public detests with a vengeance. In 1999, prior to the first change in ruling parties, fraud was less serious, both in the number of cases and in the sums involved.

But when the DPP was in office, the number of fraud cases skyrocketed. They number peaked in 2005, when they exceeded 43,000 cases, 11 times what they were in 1999, when we recorded 3,800 cases. The sums involved in fraud cases peaked in 2006. The public lost 18.5 billion NT, 15 times what they were in 1999, when 1.2 billion NT was lost to fraud. This "economic miracle" was the handiwork of the DPP. During that period almost everyone on Taiwan received a fraudulent phone call on his home phone at one time or another.

After coming into office, we waged all out war against fraud. This year, estimated fraud cases plummeted to fewer than 20,000. Estimated losses decreased to approximately 4 billion. Telephone fraud has significantly fallen. This data is powerful evidence of the KMT administration's courage and ability.

On June 11, 2011, the NPA chartered two airliners. It escorted 223 suspects of Southeast Asian fraud back to Taiwan. Taipei, Beijing, and five other governments, arrested a total of 692 suspects. The number of suspects arrested, and the number of nations and regions taking part, were the largest in history. Joint cross-Strait crime fighting efforts have expanded. Now they reach across national jurisdictions and national borders. If the DPP were still in office, could these scam artists have been brought back? Could telephone fraud on Taiwan have been reduced so dramatically?

Distinguished elders, we govern on behalf of the people. No ruling administration can avoid mistakes. But when the DPP makes mistakes, it passes the buck. When the KMT makes mistakes, it admits them and corrects them.

The DPP's ability to talk up a storm puts the KMT to shame. But the KMT's ability to solve problems, to intelligently and courageously govern the nation, leaves the DPP in the dust! Things beneficial to the people that the DPP lacks the courage to do, the KMT has the courage to do.

Things beneficial to the people that the DPP lacks the ability to do, the KMT has the ability to do. Things beneficial to the people that the DPP has botched badly, we have no hesitation in correcting.

The KMT is a responsible political party. Am I right? Allow the KMT to remain in office. What do you say?

Conclusion

Distinguished elders, party comrades, today is a day to give thanks.

I would like to thank the people who supported me three years ago. They gave us the opportunity to fight for Taiwan. I would like to thank my comrades in the party, especially its lawmakers. Their support in the legislature enabled us to do so much, and to change so much, in just three years.

On January 14 of next year, the presidential election and the legislative elections will be held on the same day. The campaign will be hard fought. The race will be close. Now is the moment of truth. Now is the moment when Taiwan will march into the future, or retreat into the past. For the sake of Taiwan, for the sake of posterity, we must unite. Only unit can ensure victory. More of our compatriots must support us, and join us. Public concern and public encouragement is the motive force behind change and progress on Taiwan.

We must win both the presidency and a legislaive majority. It is our duty. It is our mission.

I would like to make you several promises. Give me four more years, and the economy will be better. Give me four more years, and your lives will be better. Give me four more years, and your children's and children's children's lives will be better. Give me four more years, and Taiwan will be better. My fellow countrymen, join me in my demand that we move forward. Taiwan must win! Thank you!

打拼再四年 台灣更向前
馬英九
民國100年7月2日
蕭副總統、吳榮譽主席、各位先進，以及全國父老鄉親兄弟姐妹們：大家早安！大家好！
　　今天本黨提名英九及敦義同志競選中華民國第13任總統、副總統。我們除了感激，更感覺責任重大。
首先，我要感謝蕭副總統。大家都知道，微笑老蕭是我財經政策的指導老師，他雖然打算退休，但私下已經向我保證，他會經常到中南部走透透，一定要幫本黨、幫我們大家打贏這場選戰。我聽了非常感動！讓我們大家一起鼓掌，謝謝他！
我也要感謝連榮譽主席。10年前，他在國民黨最艱困的時刻，穩住了國民黨。民國94年他到大陸進行破冰的和平之旅，開創了兩岸關係的新階段。讓我們一起鼓掌，向連主席致敬與致謝！
還有吳榮譽主席。三年多前，他臨危受命，帶領本黨邁向勝利，也幫我找到目前這份工作。雄哥，明年您老大哥恐怕還要挺身出來，讓本黨繼續執政，讓我有機會繼續為大家服務，好不好！
還有立法院王院長。我真的要感謝他，沒有他在立法院當龍頭，我們很多劃時代的改革，根本不可能實現。我誠懇的希望，也是大家共同的希望，他要在立法院繼續領導下去，讓我們攜手合作，一同打拼！
今天我要感謝的先進、鄉親與朋友，實在太多了！一方面謝謝大家，一方面拜託大家：未來的六個多月，必然是極為艱苦的一場硬仗。英九一定和大家併肩奮鬥，爭取勝利；未來四年，讓台灣更好、更棒。
人民的感受與期待
三年多前，765萬選民支持國民黨重新執政，我們心存感念。英九深刻瞭解，人民內心要的是方向，要的是行動，要的是進步，要的是改變！
現在英九向大家說明，三年多來，我們針對人民的期待，已經帶來了哪些改變。未來四年，還要帶來哪些改變？
政府乾淨又透明
第一，我們打擊貪腐，建立了乾淨政府。這三年來，我們不分藍綠，有弊案就查，有貪污就辦。前政府一些貪官，有的正在法院審理，有的已經坐牢，包括陳前總統在內；去年特偵組起訴了高等法院7名涉嫌貪污的法官，一審都判了重刑；最近多家署立醫院爆發採購弊案，收押了多位院長，也是政風單位主動發掘的結果。
這一連串弊案件辦下來，訊息很清楚，只要馬英九當總統一天，絕不容許貪污舞弊！
最近我們也修改「貪污治罪條例」，增訂「不違背職務行賄罪」，往後只要送紅包給公務員，送的人跟收的人都要處罰，這樣才能遏止送紅包歪風。我們也制定了「法官法」，有效監督淘汰極少數不適任的法官、檢察官。
這個月20日，法務部「廉政署」將要成立。這是全民十多年來的盼望，終於在我們手中完成，未來將與檢調機關形成反貪的鐵三角。
各位先進、各位鄉親，現在的政府是不是比民進黨執政時乾淨、清廉？
這不是我們自誇，國際社會也給我們肯定，在國際防制洗錢工作上，台灣已經成為亞太地區唯一不用再評鑑的國家。在國際透明組織發布的各國貪腐印象指數排名中，台灣已經連續兩年進步，從39名進步到33名。
各位先進，大家想想看，如果再讓民進黨執政，他們有可能建立乾淨的政府嗎？
只要再給我四年，我們一定讓中華民國政府變成亞洲廉政的模範，讓台灣人民在國際社會抬頭挺胸，走路有風！
經濟成長有活力
第二，過去三年我們扭轉了台灣經濟的衰退，創造了活力。民進黨執政八年，鎖國管制，造成台商、外商紛紛外移，一去不回。我們上任後，採取鬆綁、開放政策，台灣經濟由一灘死水，變成了活水，台商已經回來投資一千多億，外商準備投資一千多億。
去年，我們的經濟成長率達到10.88%，是24年來最高，亞洲第二，全球第四；最近六季也都超過6%的成長；而消費者物價相對平穩，在亞洲僅次於日本，超過其他三小龍。
在民進黨執政時，臺灣平均每人生產毛額，最高1萬7仟多美元，今年我們將突破2萬美元，這將是台灣經濟發展一個重要的里程碑。
民進黨執政八年，平均每人生產毛額只增加了2千6佰多美元，但我們執政三年多，就增加了2千6佰美元。請問大家，究竟哪一個政黨有能力發展經濟？
從民國98年8月到今年5月，我們就業人數增加了38萬5千人，失業率從6.13%降到4.27%，是33個月以來最低，而且未來還會下降；薪資所得也持續18個月呈現正成長。
不僅如此，當經濟好轉，就業增加，自殺率也下降了。去年自殺人數，比民進黨執政時最高的民國95年，減少了517人。這是14年以來，自殺第一次退出國民十大死因的排行榜。
今年5月，瑞士洛桑國際管理學院發布全球競爭力評比，我國是全球第6名，是歷來表現最好的一次，兩年來總共進步了17名，也是全球進步最快的國家。
各位鄉親，台灣經濟已經恢復了活力。只要再給我們四年，我一定可以讓台灣的競爭力再往上衝，所得再增加，失業再減少。
社會公義有尊嚴
各位先進，過去三年多，國民黨一直用心照顧社會弱勢，更關心世代正義的問題。過去民進黨在野時訴求社會弱勢，當政後卻忘記弱勢。現在民進黨又把自己裝扮成弱勢的代言人，批評我們國民黨不照顧社會弱勢。既然如此，請大家看一看我們執政的成績吧！
民國96年4月，我看到老農十分辛苦，率先主張提高老農津貼，由5000元增加到6000元，由國民黨立委提案，7月獲得立法院通過實施。但是，當時民進黨的行政院開始是反對的。據媒體報導，當時的蔡英文副院長，也是現在民進黨的總統候選人，不僅反對增加老農津貼，還激烈表示如果通過，將要以抗稅來抵制。請問，這是關懷農民嗎？這是關懷弱勢嗎？
國民年金講了很多年，但民進黨執政期間通過的版本，對農民不利。我們執政後就修法，將農保從國民年金抽出來，國民年金才能夠如期開辦，將沒有參加軍保、公保、勞保、農保的國民納入保險，保障388萬人老年的生活。最近還增加了婦女生育一次性補助1萬7千多元，將有更多人受惠。
各位鄉親，國民黨執政也同樣重視勞工權益。過去勞工保險沒有年金，是一次性給付，領一點點錢，要養老，擔心不夠，如果投資失敗，遇到通貨膨脹，更是淒慘。
我們上任不久，就排除困難，通過了勞保年金，讓勞工活到老、領到老，保愈久、領愈多，確實保障勞工的退休基本生活。請問民進黨，你們執政時為何做不到呢？
國民黨執政也關心老人健康，凡是中低收入或身心障礙的老人，政府補助裝假牙，讓他們進食方便，可以吃到想吃的東西，每人最高補助4萬元，約有1萬3千人受惠。現在政府也正在推動長期照護，因為照顧老人，就是照顧我們自己的未來。
我們也關心青少年。去年，我們推動公私立高中職學費齊一方案。只要家戶年所得90萬元以下的私立高中職及五專學生，學費比照公立學校的標準收費，估計已有27萬8千多人受惠；私校學生平均每人每年可以節省 3萬3千多元，三 年可以節省10萬元，這是我國私立學校史上重大的改變。
我們也關心原住民的學生，從去年開始，就讀高中職一律免收學雜費，大約有2萬5千人受惠。
此外，今年9月起，凡是家戶年所得114萬元以下的高職學生一律免學費，受益的人數預估將可達49萬多人。高職學生每人每年最多可省4萬多元，三年可省13萬多元，這是高職教育史上革命性的改變，影響深遠。以上這些學費的改革，都是對弱勢學生最有效的照顧。
去年，政府從原住民與離島居民開始，推動5歲幼兒免學費計畫，今年9月擴展到全國，將可以減輕年輕父母的經濟壓力，預估全國大約有20萬6千名幼兒受惠，這也是我國學前教育歷史性的改革。
從今年7月1日，修訂後的《社會救助法》開始實施，我們調高了貧窮線，從原先民進黨時的八、九千元，調高到10,244元，同時也放寬弱勢的審查資格，受惠人數將從現在的26萬4千人，提高到85萬2千人，增加58萬8千人，這是我們照顧弱勢最直接、最具體的行動。
今年6月，我們還開始課徵奢侈稅，打擊房地產短期投機客，致力縮短貧富差距。讓我們大家問問民進黨，他們執政時做了什麼？他們有真正關心到社會的弱勢嗎？
有關社會福利的措施，這三年多來，我們比民進黨執政八年，做得還要多、還要好，但跟我們自己的理想還有距離。
只要鄉親託付給我們另一個四年，英九保證一定推動更多的社會福利，幫助更多的社會弱勢。
兩岸和平又繁榮
各位先進，過去三年，我們做的另外一件大事，就是讓台灣海峽從危險地區，變成和平大道。
這三年多來，我們在中華民國憲法的架構下，以「九二共識，一中各表」為基礎，堅持「對等、尊嚴、互惠」、「以台灣為主，對人民有利」的原則，改善了兩岸關係，創造前所未有的和平環境。
三年多來，兩岸簽署了「兩岸經濟合作架構協議」（ECFA）等15項協議，實現了兩岸直航，陸客來台觀光，共同打擊犯罪等政策。我們讓兩岸交流更有秩序，人民的權益更有保障，企業的發展更有競爭力。
現在民進黨的縣市長都在搶搭兩岸改善關係的便車。我們看到高雄市長到大陸推銷世運，雲林縣長、屏東縣長、前台南縣長到大陸推銷台灣水果特產，現任台南市長爭取兩岸班機直航。
民進黨縣市長這些作法，打破了意識形態的枷鎖，我們予以肯定，也會提供協助。他們這樣做，當然不算是「親中賣台」。
如今民進黨的縣市長都以行動說明，國民黨的兩岸政策確實對人民有利，民進黨中央就應該勇敢承認自己的政策，已經不符合人民的需要，更沒有理由罵國民黨「傾中」、馬英九「賣台」。民進黨如果說一套，做一套，就是表裡不一，得了便宜，還賣乖，實在不厚道。
民進黨執政了八年，兩岸關係走在危險的鋼索上。因為民進黨對中華民國的態度很曖昧，也始終提不出緩和兩岸關係的方案。如果民進黨再執政，兩岸關係一定倒退。
英九保證，我們如果連任，下一個四年，我們仍然將在中華民國憲法架構下，以一中各表的「九二共識」為基礎，堅持「不統、不獨、不武」的政策，與大陸開展和平與繁榮的互動關係。
只要我擔任總統，絕對不會進行兩岸統一談判，絕對反對臺獨，絕對反對以武力解決兩岸問題。
兩岸關係的發展將依照「先經後政、先急後緩、先易後難」的原則，維持「剛剛好」的步伐，讓兩岸關係更和平，經濟更繁榮。
臺灣的未來，不是任何總統可以自行決定的，一定要以台灣的利益為優先，一定要由臺灣2300萬人民，依據中華民國憲法來決定。
堅決捍衛中華民國主權與維護台灣尊嚴是我馬英九對全民的承諾，我過去做得到，現在做得到，將來一定也會做得到！
友善的國際空間
民進黨執政八年，用「烽火外交」在國際社會衝撞得鼻青臉腫，不僅花了許多冤枉錢，傷害了臺灣的國際形象，還丟了6個邦交國。
這三年來，我們推動「活路外交」，台灣在國際社會不再被視為「麻煩製造者」，而是「和平締造者」；我們不再推動「凱子外交」，而是「人道外交」，我們的國際形象，正在迅速改善。
今年初，美國總統歐巴馬讚揚兩岸簽署ECFA，並支持兩岸關係繼續和平發展。我們衛生署長連續三年出席暌違38年的世界衛生大會。今年5月，美國衛生部長特別在世界衛生大會舉行記者會，嚴正表示：沒有任何一個聯合國的機構可以片面決定台灣的地位。
今年4月11日，日本首相菅直人發出公開信，感謝臺灣各界對日本震災的援助與「厚重情誼」，因為我們是全球捐助日本最多的國家。今年5月11日，歐盟通過決議，支持與中華民國簽署《經濟合作協議》，同時支持台灣參與國際組織。這是三年來，歐盟通過對我友好的第13個決議。
民進黨執政八年，全世界給予我國人民免簽證或落地簽證的國家及地區為54個，完全沒有增加。如今，我們已爭取到116個，成長了一倍多。因為國家受尊敬，人民才有尊嚴，這是國際社會對我們國家形象與國民素質的信任投票。
這些前所未有的改變，都不是天上掉下來的禮物，而是政府與人民三年多來共同努力的成果，反映出國際社會對我國的觀感在改變。
各位先進、各位鄉親，請再給我四年，我一定會爭取到更多免簽證的待遇，讓台灣參與更多的國際組織，簽署更多的經濟合作協議。這些工作都是「現在進行式」，我們不要、也不能讓民進黨打斷。大家說，好不好？
有能力、有魄力
民進黨執政八年，口號很多，卻沒有解決重大問題的能力。我們不但有能力，也有魄力解決問題。
花蓮鄉親關心的「蘇花高」，民進黨解決不了，我們以「蘇花改」解決了問題；我們也通過了爭論多年的「花東地區發展條例」，以10年400億經費，推動花東地區的基礎建設。
同樣地，民進黨執政推動國光石化案，我們接手後，發現爭議很大，考慮到環境不能超限利用，我們就毅然決然宣佈停止興建，但全力支持石化業的轉型升級。
其他包括縣市合併升格、行政院組織改造，這些都是民進黨執政做不到的事，我們都做到了。
我再舉一個例子。米酒是我們每家燒菜都有的佐料，以前每瓶20元。可是民國92年民進黨執政時，在歐美各國壓力下，台灣米酒飆升到每瓶180元，消費者受不了，銷路從原先每年2億1千萬瓶，大幅下降到750萬瓶，減少96％，而且市面上私製劣酒充斥，民眾叫苦連天，但民進黨政府束手無策。怎麼辦？民眾只有等換黨執政。
我們上任後，積極對外交涉，對內修法，去年九月，米酒每瓶從180元降到25元，下降86％，估計今年銷路可以恢復到1億5千萬瓶，成長20倍。請問大家，究竟哪一個政黨比較有能力？有魄力？究竟哪一個政府真正照顧民眾的權益？
三年多來，台灣的治安也有大幅改善。民國99年跟96年相比，全般刑案下降了24.4%，詐欺案減少29.3%，竊盜案減少40.8%，暴力犯罪下降44.3%，各縣市對治安的滿意度則達到68%，成長9個百分點。
以民眾最痛恨的詐騙案件為例，民國88年第一次換黨執政前，詐騙案不論件數與金額都比較少。
但民進黨執政後，詐騙案件飛快的增加，件數最多的民國94年，超過4萬3千件，是民國88年3千8百多件的11倍；詐騙金額最高的民國95年，民眾損失了185億台幣，比起民國88年詐騙金額12億大幅成長了15倍。這是民進黨創造的「奇蹟」，那個時期在家沒有接過詐騙電話的變成了少數。
我們執政後，全力掃蕩詐騙案件，預估今年詐騙案件將減少到2萬多件，民眾損失也會減至40億左右，詐騙電話也大量減少。這些數據，有力的證明了國民黨政府的魄力與執行力。
今年6月11日，警政署以兩架包機押回了223名在東南亞詐騙的臺灣嫌犯，連同在台灣與大陸逮捕的嫌犯，兩岸加5個國家，一共有692人。人數之多，國家與地區之廣，押解陣仗之大，都是有史以來第一次。這顯示兩岸共同打擊犯罪，已經擴及到跨境、跨國犯罪的合作偵辦。請問民進黨如果還在執政，這些詐騙嫌犯有可能逮捕回來嗎？台灣的詐騙電話有可能大幅減少嗎？
各位先進，我們是為人民而執政。執政不可能完全不犯錯，民進黨犯錯，總是推卸責任；國民黨犯錯，就認錯改正。
我們噴口水的能力，真的比不上民進黨，但我們解決問題的治國能力與魄力，確實超過他們！
對人民有利，而民進黨不敢做的，我們敢做；對人民有利，而民進黨做不到的，我們做得到；對人民有利，民進黨做錯的，我們毫不遲疑，立刻改正。
國民黨就是這樣一個負責任的政黨，對不對？讓國民黨繼續執政，好不好？
結語
各位先進、各位同志，今天是感恩的日子。英九要感謝三年多前人民的支持，讓我們有機會為台灣打拼。
英九也要感謝全黨的同志，尤其是立法委員同志在國會的鼎力支持，我們才能在三年多的時間，做了那麼多的事，帶動了台灣的改變。
明年1月14日，總統選舉與立法委員選舉合併舉行，這場選戰十分艱苦，選情相當緊繃。這是台灣繼續向前或轉彎倒退的關鍵時刻。所以，為了臺灣的未來，為了子孫的幸福，我們大家一定要團結，才能勝選。我們需要更多的鄉親，以行動支持我們、加入我們。大家的關懷與鼓勵，是臺灣改變與進步的動力。
我們一定要爭取「總統勝選，國會多數」，這是我們的責任，也是我們的使命。
現在，我要向大家保證：
再給我四年，經濟會更好；
再給我四年，生活會更好；
再給我四年，子孫會更好；
再給我四年，臺灣會更好。
各位鄉親，請跟我一起高呼：繼續向前行，台灣一定贏！
謝謝大家！