Hsieh, Ma face off in last debate

DODGING BULLETS The KMT candidate accused Hsieh of ignoring a question about the education ministry, while Hsieh said Ma avoided the `cross-straight market' issue

By Ko Shu-ling / STAFF REPORTER

Ma rebutted Hsieh's portrayal of him as pessimist about the nation's future. Ma also said he had not lied about his support for arms purchases.

"Hsieh avoided three-and-a-half of my five questions. I asked him to comment on the performance of Minister [of Education] Tu Cheng-sheng [杜正勝], but he didn't even mention his name," Ma said.

In response to Hsieh's challenge over his stance on the Regulations for the Handling of and Compensation for the 228 Incident (二二八事件處理及補償條例), Ma said he did not support the use of the word "restitution" because of legal issues. The term "compensation" was more appropriate, he said.

ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY MO YAN-CHIH

Also See: Presidential election 2008: 12 days to go: Hsieh and Ma face the nation

Also See: Presidential election 2008: 12 days to go: Presidential hopefuls spar on critical issues

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