Cheng made the remarks amid reports that Wu Nai-teh, a researcher at Academia Sinica, the nation’s highest research institute, was preparing to form a private sector truth and reconciliation commission.

Wu expressed hope that the historical facts about the 2-28 Incident of 1947 and the ensuing “white terror” imposed by the former Kuomintang administration will come to light in full to serve as part of democracy education and avoid any repetition of the tragedy, according to the reports.

Cheng said it would be more suitable for the government to conduct some of the probes but added that some could be done by the private sector and that the government would support such efforts.

He noted that transitional justice is an issue for all emerging democratic countries seeking to resolve the legacy of authoritarian rule.

“Through reflection on transitional justice, Taiwan will be able to deepen and cement its democratic system, “ Cheng said, adding that the methods used by other countries, including probes into truth and accounting for responsibility, can provide a good reference.

Noting that 2007 is the 60th anniversary of the 2-28 Incident, when Kuomintang forces crushed a revolt in Taiwan, Cheng said that “it is an appropriate time to discuss transitional justice.”

He added that the transitional justice issue will not only cover the 2-28 Incident but will also include the ensuing white terror and all other controversial incidents that took place during the previous authoritarian era.