Taipei Times: Do you have any plans to address charges that your deep involvement in DPP and pro-independence activities render you unqualified to head the Examination Yuan?
Yao Chia-wen (姚嘉文): If confirmed by the legislature, I will quit the DPP in line with the principle of neutrality required of Examination Yuan officials. During my term in office, I would also make sure not to take part in any political activities. Already, I have resigned as the party's chief consultant and did not attend the DPP's Central Standing Committee meeting last week. In addition, I will not play any role in the mayoral elections at the end of this year or the presidential campaign in 2004.
I think it is fine to attend seminars on the Taiwan issue, though. I would look into the matter and see where best to draw the line. If participation in pro-independence events is deemed inappropriate, I would exercise restraint to set a good example.
TT: Do you still uphold a three-branch government system under which the Examination Yuan and Control Yuan should be scrapped?
Yao: I'm a firm believer in a three-branch government design. But let's draw distinctions between the Examination Yuan's function and the three-branch system's establishment. To select civil servants, there must be an agency within the government to handle examination-related matters. I have no problem with the argument that the Cabinet's Central Personnel Administration will do for that purpose. But it will take constitutional reform to abolish the Examination Yuan and Control Yuan. If all parties agree to the idea, I would help carry it out. It is up to the legislature to initiate constitutional reform proposals.
If the opposition parties dislike my appointment, they may go ahead and seek to dissolve the Examination Yuan. Before that, someone must act as its president -- whomever that may be.
TT: Do you see any need for reform of the Examination Yuan?
Yao: Yes. For one, I believe that rules governing the hiring of specialists from abroad should be relaxed. Under existing laws, if the Industrial Technology Research Institute wants a foreigner to head its computer lab, the Examination Yuan will have to say no.
Also, it is time to review whether the current examinations are the best way to help the government recruit employees. In the information age, we should place greater emphasis on such qualities as creativity and efficiency. Can candidates of such caliber be recognized through present exams? That is good food for thought.
TT: How's your effort to remove resistance to your nomination going?
Yao: I have personally sought all 225 lawmakers in their legislative offices and gone to constituencies in southern and eastern Taiwan. I will call on those in northern Taiwan in the following days. Not all of them were present when I called. Still, I would say that those visits are constructive. Most lawmakers, despite their political affiliations, have been polite and friendly. Some offered tips on how to win the confirmation vote. For those unable to receive me, I had pleasant talks with their families and friends, many of whom promised to help grease the wheels on my behalf.
TT: Opposition lawmakers have threatened to vote you down. Has the situation improved at all?
Yao: Lawmakers from the KMT and the PFP are hesitant in pledging support for fear that they may have to change their positions later at the request of the leaders of respective parties or caucuses. It seems to me they don't have the freedom to make decisions on the matter. Many, however, said they would consider me favorably if freed from such concerns.
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