Now that the Cabinet lineup is virtually complete, we can start to make some assessments of the quality of the selections.
First of all, President-elect Chen Shui-bian (
Moreover, Chen has certainly delivered on the expectation of bringing fresh faces with solid reputations into the government. After the appointment of Tang Fei (
One of the most progressive choices has been Chen Ting-nan (陳定南) at the Ministry of Justice -- which must spearhead any campaign against "black gold" politics. In addition to squeaky cleanness, Chen is famous for his refusal to compromise on principle, something that has even made him something of a maverick within his own party, the DPP, where he has enthusiastically supported disciplining party members who have committed electoral irregularities. In his first public appearance after his nomination was confirmed, Chen unveiled a comprehensive program of reform, and threw down the gauntlet to politicians with organized crime backgrounds. As long as he can command the support of the president and premier after he takes office, there is potential for a genuine breakthrough on this critical, front.
In the realm of foreign policy the choices are also imaginative but astute. Tsai, at the helm of the MAC is known as a wily negotiator with a depth of experience in dealing with China. Tien Hung-mao (
In short, the appointment of this Cabinet is a solid first step toward achieving Chen's campaign agenda -- though we note that at the time of writing the crucial post of minister of the interior is still vacant. Observant readers will note, however, that this is very specifically Chen's agenda, not Tang's. On present trends, the fear of the KMT that Tang's real authority would be limited to defense and security issues looks set to be realized. There is thus at least a potential source of tensions. Above and beyond personnel appointments, Chen still has to establish a solid working relationship with his premier to consolidate the new government.
Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s (李顯龍) decision to step down after 19 years and hand power to his deputy, Lawrence Wong (黃循財), on May 15 was expected — though, perhaps, not so soon. Most political analysts had been eyeing an end-of-year handover, to ensure more time for Wong to study and shadow the role, ahead of general elections that must be called by November next year. Wong — who is currently both deputy prime minister and minister of finance — would need a combination of fresh ideas, wisdom and experience as he writes the nation’s next chapter. The world that
The past few months have seen tremendous strides in India’s journey to develop a vibrant semiconductor and electronics ecosystem. The nation’s established prowess in information technology (IT) has earned it much-needed revenue and prestige across the globe. Now, through the convergence of engineering talent, supportive government policies, an expanding market and technologically adaptive entrepreneurship, India is striving to become part of global electronics and semiconductor supply chains. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Vision of “Make in India” and “Design in India” has been the guiding force behind the government’s incentive schemes that span skilling, design, fabrication, assembly, testing and packaging, and
Recently, China launched another diplomatic offensive against Taiwan, improperly linking its “one China principle” with UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 to constrain Taiwan’s diplomatic space. After Taiwan’s presidential election on Jan. 13, China persuaded Nauru to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Nauru cited Resolution 2758 in its declaration of the diplomatic break. Subsequently, during the WHO Executive Board meeting that month, Beijing rallied countries including Venezuela, Zimbabwe, Belarus, Egypt, Nicaragua, Sri Lanka, Laos, Russia, Syria and Pakistan to reiterate the “one China principle” in their statements, and assert that “Resolution 2758 has settled the status of Taiwan” to hinder Taiwan’s
As former president Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) wrapped up his visit to the People’s Republic of China, he received his share of attention. Certainly, the trip must be seen within the full context of Ma’s life, that is, his eight-year presidency, the Sunflower movement and his failed Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement, as well as his eight years as Taipei mayor with its posturing, accusations of money laundering, and ups and downs. Through all that, basic questions stand out: “What drives Ma? What is his end game?” Having observed and commented on Ma for decades, it is all ironically reminiscent of former US president Harry