Despite criticism from Academia Sinica President Lee Yuan-tseh
The new technology consultation task force -- besides being criticized by Lee and other professionals for being redundant -- has in fact seriously violated the current system of national science development.
According to the Basic Law of Science and Technology
According to the law, the National Science Council (NSC,
The NSC's development plan must be discussed and reviewed by a national science and technology conference
After following the above procedure, Taiwan's first official "Science and Technology White Paper"
Ironically, according to Vice President Annette Lu
Moreover, in addition to the NSC and the Academia Sinica, the Executive Yuan has already a "Science and Technology Advisory Group"
Then there is the problem of finding qualified people to serve on the new task force.
Since the old advisory group had already hired Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp (TSMC) chairman Morris Chang
Chen's stubborn insistence on establishing the new advisory group also makes us suspect that its purpose is simply to endorse his science policies.
To be the leader of a nation, a strong will is indeed necessary. More important, however, is to have the courage to pull back from bad decisions or policies before it is too late.
Establishing the new technology consultation task force was a bad decision. Chen may lose face if he chooses to abolish the new advisory group immediately. His courage, however, will earn him more respect in the long run.
Huang Hsien-Chou is a KMT legislator and the convener of the Sci-Tech and Information Committee at the Legislative Yuan.
Translated by Eddy Chang
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