A partial Cabinet reshuffle will be completed by March 10, Premier Chang Chun-hsiung (張俊雄) announced yesterday, vowing to take into account the political responsibilities of officials who bungled efforts to clean up the recent oil spill in southern Taiwan.
A decision about whether he would approve the resignation of Minister of Transportation and Communications Yeh Chu-lan (
"If the Executive Yuan is to achieve the highest level of efficiency and react to public opinion, a partial reshuffle is inevitable," Chang said while being questioned by lawmakers.
"Now that the oil spill has occurred, I don't think the date of the reshuffle should be delayed any longer. Otherwise it will further destabilize the country," Chang added.
Chang said major considerations for the reshuffle include the political responsibilities of Cabinet members, public expectation of reform and political stability.
As to the criteria to determine whether individual ministers should be replaced, Chang reiterated that their professional abilities, teamwork, ability to carry out their duties and their reputation would all be taken into account.
People First Party Legislator Chin Huei-chu (秦慧珠), citing a public poll on the support rating of Cabinet members conducted by TVBS on Feb. 28, suggested that Chang replace Lin Jun-yi, minister of economic affairs Lin Hsin-yi (林信義) and minister of finance Yen Ching-chang (顏慶章).
The three were rated as the Cabinet officials with the poorest performance in the poll, and they got almost an identical rating in a similar poll conducted by the same TV company three months ago.
"They failed the test three months ago, and they are still failing despite the extra time given them. I bet they will continue to fail even if they are given three more months," Chin said.
"This is a matter concerning their overall abilities and public reputations. The problem won't be solved by delaying [their replacement]," Chin added.
Lin Jun-yi has been widely blamed the delayed response to the oil spill off Kenting in Pingtung County resulting from the grounding of the Greek cargo carrier the MV Amorgos.
In addition, opposition lawmakers also believe that Lin Hsin-yi, who recommended that the Fourth Nuclear Power Plant m(
KMT Legislator Lee Chia-chin (
According to an estimate by the Taiwan Power Company (
"Millions of dollars have been poured down the drain because of the vacillation over the plant. Who is to take responsibility for this?" Lee asked.
Lee also said Lin should be held responsible for the slowing of Taiwan's economic growth and its competitiveness as well as the climbing unemployment rate.
"There are a lot of talented people out there. Don't let Lin alone sink Taiwan's economy and the Ministry of Economic Affairs," Lee added.
In response, Lin said he will step down if he feels he has done a bad job, but he doesn't think there is any reason for him to leave the Cabinet now.
"There are too many internal and external factors that are influencing Taiwan's economy. None of the ministries should take full blame for the unemployment problem or the decline of the stock market," Lin said.
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