Members and colleagues of the administrative team, good afternoon!
The ROC's 14th presidential and ninth legislative elections came to a close last weekend with a new expression of the people's will. Out of respect for that will and to ensure the government can carry out its work smoothly, I have tendered my resignation to the president and have arranged to lead the Cabinet in a mass resignation today.
Over the past eight years, the Executive Yuan has abided by President Ma Ying-jeou's principle of putting Taiwan first for the benefit of the people. As a result, we have achieved comprehensive breakthroughs in cross-strait exchanges, international participation, economic development, social justice and environmental sustainability. Such progress has laid the foundation for the ROC's long-term peace and stability.
In late 2014, I was appointed to the post of premier. I am grateful to the majority of the Cabinet members who supported me and chose to stay on, as well as to the new members who later joined the team. For more than a year, we labored toward our goals of finding new paths for young people, providing security for senior citizens, creating opportunities for businesses, and building a dignified living environment for the disadvantaged. Thanks to the hard work of the administrative team, we paved the way for the nation's social and economic transformation. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the entire team for your selfless devotion and untiring efforts.
Elections come and go but our nation stands forever. The people of Taiwan are one family, and members of the family must understand and respect one another before we can move forward together.
I am thankful for all of your support and companionship throughout this journey. My race has ended and I have fought my battles. My heart is at peace and I am filled with gratitude. In all my years of public service, I have not taken much leave, but now I would like to spend more time with my family. Starting today, I will take leave and wait quietly while the transition takes place. I have asked Vice Premier Chang San-cheng to serve as acting premier in my absence. As for myself, I look forward to being more involved in community and charity work, which I have always enjoyed. Thank you all for everything. I feel only gratitude in my heart. Thank you again.