Ministry of Justice explains impromptu switch of chief at investigation bureau

The Ministry of Justice yesterday for the first time openly explained to the media the replacement of the investigation bureau (MJIB) chief after it suddenly announced the change late last Friday. His remarks, however, failed to convince the group of reporters in attendance.

"The personnel change was made out of concern for the [MJIB]'s work," Vice Justice Minister Hsieh Wen-ting (謝文定) said at a press conference held yesterday morning. "Though an excellent and capable person, [Wang] needn't stay in that position forever -- personnel affairs should be like flowing water, transparent and fluid."

However, some of the reporters at the media event said it was Hsieh's remarks that were like water -- containing nothing.

It has been widely speculated that the former director of the MJIB, Wang Kuang-yu (王光宇), was replaced because he had quarrelled with Minister of Justice Chen Ding-nan (陳定南) and was not trusted by President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁).

The justice ministry at 10pm last Friday issued a press release to announce that the MJIB's vice director Yeh Sheng-mao (葉盛茂) was to be promoted as chief of the bureau.

The press release said the personnel change had been proposed by the justice minister and approved by Premier Chang Chun-hsiung (張俊雄).

But the announcement, which came after office hours, has disappointed Wang, who on Sunday asked, "What was the justice ministry so hurried about?"

He was also quoted as saying that he was "very unhappy" unhappy about the decision.

Minister Chen had only told Wang about the decision on Friday afternoon.

Despite intense speculation in the media, the justice ministry, after issuing the press release, failed to give any further information on Wang's replacement until yesterday morning. Minister Chen also cancelled several scheduled public appearances planned for the weekend and yesterday -- another disappointment for reporters hungry for a better explanation.

It has been widely reported that Yeh was promoted because he has good relations with President Chen and that he is viewed as more trustworthy vis-a-vis the bureau's important anti-vote buying efforts for the year-end election.

Hsieh said Yeh was experienced at tackling crimes which undermine the nation's political system, which include official corruption and vote-buying. Hsieh said Wang has also made great contributions to fighting "black gold" and that his removal should not be seen as a condemnation of his work.

Wang has been MJIB director for more than three years.