Some question airline's privatization

Jan said he is not saying that Thatcherism is a bad idea, but that it has its flaws and he doubts that it's feasible here because Taiwan has a very different social and political culture from the UK.

Since privatization seems inevitable for China Airlines, Jan worries that the airline could be sold off at a very low price, especially in the aftermath of the crash.

"Over the years, we've seen many state-run companies rely too heavily on selling their land to balance their asset statements," Jan said. "Many state-owned lands were sold at unreasonably low prices to particular, favored buyers."

Chin Heng-wei (金恆煒), a political observer and editor in chief of the Contemporary magazine, however, held a more optimistic view.

"In politics, the so-called deadline is not necessarily unchangeable," Chin said. "It can be extended if the trading price is too low or the trading isn't going well."

Although critics have said that the Cabinet should have waited until the cause of the crash becomes clear before it lays the blame on the foundation, Chin said the government's move was necessary.

"No matter what the cause of the crash, it's true that the airline has a management problem and that it has an embarrassing aviation safety record," Chin said. "As the biggest shareholder of the company, the government has to do something to change the status quo."

Jan expressed the same opinion.

"In addition to investigating the cause of the crash, the government should at the same time quell the anguish of the victims' families and tell them that hey, someone has to be responsible for causing this calamity," Jan said.

Critics have also questioned the Cabinet decision that the sale of the foundation's stock go to an aviation fund.

Many feel this was done because the government would hate to see the money end up in the coffers of Taipei City, since the foundation is registered in the city.

Jan, however, dismissed the talk as "politicized."

"One of Taiwan's problems is that many things are way too politicized," he said. "The society desperately needs more constructive thinking."

Chin said it is only natural that the government designate the flow of the proceeds generated from the sale of the foundation's stock.

"As long as it's legal, why not?" Chin said.