The complete incoming Cabinet was presented to the public yesterday at a luncheon held to celebrate Premier-designate Tang Fei's (
The new Cabinet -- from a variety of political backgrounds -- was accompanied by President-elect Chen Shui-bian (
In a speech to mark the occasion, Chen repeatedly honored Tang's "selflessness" in the process of forming the Cabinet, following recent reports of friction within the team that helped put it together. But yesterday, there was no evidence of conflict between Chen and Tang.
PHOTO: CHEN CHENG-CHANG, TAIPEI TIMES
Chen even referred to Tang's decision to have his operation before May 20 as a "sacrifice which showed his sincerity and goodwill."
Tang underwent surgery to remove a benign tumor from his chest on April 15 and afterward took a two-week period to recuperate in the hospital. It was during that period that most of Cabinet posts were settled and rumors have been rife to the effect that Tang was unhappy about Chen's selections, and was already "tired" of his new post -- rumors Tang denied when he left the hospital three days ago.
"Facing all kinds of challenges, as long as we can put national interest, national security and the people's interests in the forefront -- just as Premier Tang has done -- then we can enjoy a future of endless possibility," Chen said.
During yesterday's meeting Chen told the new Cabinet members to always work for the public good. He stressed that the new government is a team which should listen to different voices and can learn from private business and even religious circles.
"Let us bring the vitality of civil society into the public sector, and learn about mercy and wisdom from religion," Chen said.
Although members of the new Cabinet cross the party spectrum and are from different walks of life, Tang said he was confident in the future government.
"Although everyone might still be unfamiliar with one another, we already have a tacit understanding and agreement on many governmental affairs -- we've even starting to talk about how to push forward certain work. I am moved by such a spirit," Tang said. "We are sure to meet people's expectations if we maintain this spirit."
Tang also thanked incumbent Premier Vincent Siew (
"I appreciate that Premier Siew has asked all departments to establish a good framework for the power transfer," he said.
At the same time, however, the current Cabinet has been criticized by the DPP -- especially by the head of Chen's power transfer team, DPP legislator and future Presidential Office secretary-general Chang Chun-hsiung (
Chang has lashed out at the outgoing Cabinet for not cooperating in the hand-over processes, including making improper personnel transfers in its final days in power.
Meanwhile, Vice President-elect Lu reminded Cabinet members to hold on to the terms of Chen's election platform amid widely held skepticism that the DPP's policies will not be fully carried out by the new government.
"I hope our new partners will familiarize themselves with the policy white papers President Chen presented to voters, because the power of the president comes from the people. I believe you can realize quickly those ideas and policies," Lu said.
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