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Ma Ying-jeou says government playing ethnic card

Former Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) chairman Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) yesterday lashed out at the government for manipulating the ethnicity issue with its name-change policy and decision to tear down the walls surrounding Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.

While urging the government to focus its efforts on taking care of public livelihood, Ma promised to work on improving the domestic economy and to push for social harmony if elected as president.

"More than 23,00 people commit suicide every year, but the government only cares about tearing down the walls surrounding CKS hall," Ma said while attending a ceremony to celebrate the founding of his group of supporters in Jhonghe City (中和).

As the group vowed to spare no effort in helping Ma win the elections next year, Ma, who declared his candidacy early last month, pledged to demonstrate his determination in pursuing the presidency and seeking a solution to the nation's plight.

"People ask me what's on my mind as I pursue the presidency and when they cheer me on. I am thinking of how to save Taiwan from poverty," Ma said.

While acknowledging that his recent indictment on corruption charges was a setback, Ma expressed confidence that the KMT would win in the race next year.

"The setbacks and humiliations I've faced in the last six months were more than what I've encountered in my entire life. But I am not afraid. Ma Ying-jeou will not be defeated," he added.

Jhonghe City was the first stop of Ma's nationwide presidential campaign tour to attract grassroots support.

In addition to forming grassroots support groups around the country, Ma is lining up staff for a presidential campaign office. Most of the staff from his stint as KMT chairman and some from his tenure as Taipei mayor, including former deputy mayor King Pu-tsung (金溥聰) and former deputy director of the KMT's Organization and Development Committee Chang Wang-hao (張王浩), have signed on.
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