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Miaoli head defends Ma museum

Miaoli County Commissioner Liu Cheng-hung (劉政鴻) yesterday defended the county government’s plan to build a museum dedicated to President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九), arguing that the project would help boost the county’s tourism prospects.

Liu made the remarks as he inspected a proposed site for the museum.

Obviously frustrated by media reports on the NT$50 million (US$1.6 million) project — which has been slammed as being too expensive, and been seen as a an attempt by Liu to flatter Ma — Liu looked annoyed when he talked to reporters.

Liu said he was angry that the media reports have portrayed the project as an attempt to ingratiate himself.

“I am not to be a minister or other member of the Cabinet. All I am doing is for the good of the place [county] and not to disappoint my fellow county folks. Why this talk of flattery?” he said.

The Miaoli County Government came under fire after allocating NT$50 million (US$1.6 million) to build the museum in Tongsiao Township (通宵).

Liu approved the funds for the museum, which will chronicle Ma’s path to the top and which the county hopes will become its No. 1 tourist destination.

Liu said Ma had called him to lend his suport to the museum project and that he had decided to continue with the plan.

The project follows on the heels of Liu’s allocation of NT$170 million to upgrade roads around Ma Village (馬) — a traditional village whose residents are mostly surnamed Ma.

The Hong Kong-born Ma’s ancestors did not come from the village. None of his family have ever lived in or visited the village, but Ma made a stop there on his campaign trail.

Because of the surname coincidence, however, the county is investing in the village in hopes of drawing tourists interested in the president’s story.

The museum is set to be built near Ma Village and will feature pictures and memorabilia from Ma’s life, including personal belongings such as books, clothes and childhood pictures.
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