Taiwan is a small nation with a big government, a problem caused by the burdens inherited from China. The Republic of China’s five-branch constitutional framework has forced outdated examination and control branches that defy description onto the standard three-branch government system.
Since the beginning of the 21st century, the government has been reorganized and streamlined, but it seems that the more reform there is, the bigger the government gets. Some agencies look just like luxury mansions, while top officials are overbearing. Despite the boastful manner of national leaders, Taiwan has been trapped in China’s cage, and it is difficult for the president to engage freely in state visits.
Take a look at Europe, especially the northern countries. Politicians only have small cars and a few security guards; they act like ordinary people and are not often accompanied by subordinates. This shows how Taiwanese politicians are influenced by Chinese feudalism and the imperial mindset, as many of them like to keep a high profile. No wonder they still pray to gods and worship ghosts for promotion or fortune.
Take the educational, cultural and scientific branches of Taiwan’s administrative system: The government has ministries of education, culture and science and technology. The Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology alone manages three agencies that are responsible for all related affairs. Is Taiwan bigger than Japan? Are Japan’s educational, cultural and scientific affairs inferior to Taiwan’s?
The integration of educational, cultural and scientific affairs into one body was also reflected in the establishment of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). While all related affairs are seen as a whole, there are sub-organizations responsible for different affairs under UNESCO. The point is that under its parliamentary Cabinet system, Japan’s ministries are headed by politicians who serve concurrently as members of parliament, so they are able to participate in the ruling party’s policymaking.
The call for a Cabinet system has sometimes been heard in Taiwan. A Cabinet system is focused on parliament, but our Legislative Yuan retains the image of a rubber-stamp institution following the decades of authoritarian rule. It has failed to cultivate influential officials and legislators act like privileged political merchants. This is worrying.
A Chinese saying goes: “Those who are successful in their studies can become officials,” and the government either appoints knowledgeable academics or promotes civil servants to key government posts. President Ma Ying-jeou’s (馬英九) administration has recruited a group of doctors and professors, but their ability and character are quite average. This is an unhealthy holdover from the authoritarian party-state era.
President-elect Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) is about to take office. It will be a great challenge for her to form a truly new government within the old system. Intellectuals remain highly valued in Taiwan’s political culture. As a result, top officials often act like bureaucrats or courtiers, instead of lawmakers; they have no vision or ambition. This is a situation that must be improved.
As for how Tsai’s government should promote its policies, that takes determination, as well as insight. It is only by destroying old and stale traditions that there can be great innovation.
A small nation needs a small government. Taiwan should abandon its vain big government dreams and operate in a pragmatic and forceful manner. It should not move toward a large and impractical government. The key is understanding that we must differentiate ourselves from China.
Lee Min-yung is a poet.
Translated by Eddy Chang
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