HSINCHU (TVBS News) — President Tsai Ing-wen extended heartfelt condolences Tuesday (Feb. 27) at the funeral of Chen Chun-han, a human rights lawyer and legislator-at-large candidate for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), who died during the Lunar New Year at the age of 41.
The ceremony took place in Hsinchu City's Life Memorial Park, also attended by Vice President and President-elect Lai Ching-te, Vice President-elect Hsiao Bi-khim, and Control Yuan President Chen Chu.
During the ceremony, Tsai lauded Chun-han's dedication to Taiwan and expressed deep sorrow over what she described as a tremendous loss for Taiwanese society. Chun-han, a rare disease lawyer, had been stricken with spinal muscular atrophy, a fact that the president underscored during her tribute to his strength and dedication.
"Friends who know Chun-han's life story are moved by his efforts and admire his extraordinary accomplishments," Tsai said, before presenting a commendation to the deceased lawmaker. She added, "Chun-han has been fighting disease since childhood, striving to overcome obstacles, realizing his dreams with comparable willpower."
Chun-han had passed the attorney and CPA licensure exams despite his affliction, studied for a Ph.D. in the U.S., and later joined The Institutum Iurisprudentiae Academia Sinica. Reflecting on his return to Taiwan, Tsai noted his dedication to advocating for marginalized groups, fighting for the rights of the disabled, and tirelessly promoting social justice.
The president praised Chun-han's parents for allowing him to realize his dreams and thanked him for the warmth and strength he brought to society. Tsai assured that Chun-han's unfinished work will be carried on by all.
