KMT lawmaker questions Chen Shih-Meng's salary

A KMT lawmaker yesterday joined the call for the government to practice belt-tightening by saying that Presidential Secretary-General Chen Shih-meng (陳師孟) does not merit a salary equal to that of the premier.

KMT Legislator Chen Chieh (陳杰) said the top presidential aide is overpaid and urged the Ministry of Audit to investigate the matter.

"As a political appointee, Chen Shih-meng should be paid at most NT$190,000 a month," the lawmaker said during a meeting of the Budget and Final Account Committee.

"But he collects a monthly salary of NT$370,000, which is out of proportion with his position," Chen Chieh said.

He demanded Auditor-General Su Chen-ping (蘇振平) launch an investigation into the matter and make amends if he sees a need to do so.

Su said he would do some fact-finding after he returned to his office. He said all government officials are paid according to the formula drafted by the Central Personnel Administration.

Later in the day, Chen Shih-meng's aides said their boss is not enjoying any special privileges since his predecessors received the same salary.

Chen Shih-meng has frequently refused to testify before the legislature. During a rare appearance before a committee last week, he told opposition lawmakers he "did not care to remark" on the aborted meeting between the president and the chairman of the PFP.