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Authorities blast weekly's reports on official privileges

The National Security Bureau yesterday denied a report that former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) had violated regulations governing retired officials by hiring an excessive number of security guards.

The latest issue of the weekly Next Magazine, which hit the newsstands yesterday, claimed that the National Police Agency had tried to recall some of the guards, but to no avail.

`baseless'

Dismissing the report as "baseless," the bureau issued a statement saying that Lee had reduced the number of security guards to 12 in accordance with amended regulations, which took effect in January.

The revision sets the number at eight to 12.

Meanwhile, the Presidential Office also blasted the weekly magazine yesterday for another report alleging that it was planning to spend more than NT$20 million (US$625,000) to buy new cars for President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁), first lady Wu Shu-jen (吳淑珍), Vice President Annette Lu (呂秀蓮) and former vice presidents Lien Chan (連戰) and Li Yuan-zu (李元簇).

new officers

While confirming the planned purchase of five limousines next year, Presidential Office Spokes-man David Lee (李南陽) said that the vehicles would be bought for the new president, his or her spouse, the new vice president, former president Lee and former vice president Lien.

The Next Magazine report also alleged that Chen had violated the regulations on placing staffers that would be working at his office after his term expires on the payroll of the Presidential Office.

chen staff

The Presidential Office spokesman said that staffers employed by Chen Shui-bian after he leaves office would not come from the Presidential Office.

As such, their salaries would come from the monthly allowance allocated to President Chen after his term expires, David Lee said.
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