Affirming the Cabinet’s performance and government policies, President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) yesterday said he had no immediate plan to reshuffle the Cabinet.
Detailing major policies presented by his administration 53 days since assuming the office, Ma gave his full support to the Cabinet and said that Premier Liu Chao-shiuan (劉兆玄) and his Cabinet members have provided various long-term solutions to the recent economic downturn that may not have immediate effects.
“The Cabinet has done a lot of things during this period. Some of the things may not show instant results in improving the economy, but they are helpful for long-term economic development,” Ma said when meeting with the press at the Taipei Guest House. “The public should have more faith in the Cabinet and be patient. Give them more time to do what they need to do.”
PHOTO: LO PEI-DER, TAIPEI TIMES
Ma also shrugged off former Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator Shen Fu-hsiung’s (沈富雄) suggestion that Government Information Office (GIO) Minister Vanessa Shih (史亞平) should be replaced because she appears to have a limited understanding of GIO policies, and said he was satisfied with Shih’s performance.
“I think her performance has been commendable given that this is her first time to serve as GIO spokeswoman. It’s unnecessary to replace her,” Ma said.
Shen, whom Ma nominated as vice president of the Control Yuan but failed to win legislative approval, said on Friday that the Cabinet should be reshuffled to replace incapable members, including Shih.
Ma said the Cabinet has grasped the right direction in pushing government policies, and has taken the necessary measures calmly and steadily. He said that he and Liu, while performing different duties, have cooperated closely.
After discussing the policies with Liu on Friday night, Ma yesterday gave a preliminary announcement of major policies the Cabinet is introducing to improve the economy in the near future.
He said the Cabinet would seek to improve the nation’s investment environment with taxation reforms and relaxation of legal regulations and by assisting with nongovernmental investment projects totaling NT$180 billion (US$ 5.9 billion) this year.
He added that such major nongovernmental investment projects would reach NT$400 billion over the next four years. The Cabinet would also push the development of emerging industries, including culture and creative industries, medical, biotechnology and tourism industries, while promoting energy-saving and carbon reduction, he said.
“We will request energy-saving and carbon reduction measures in future investments. It’s something we have to do,” Ma said.
Ma also promised to take better care of low-income families amid recent gasoline and commodity price hikes by giving more subsidies.
Detailing recent economic proposals presented by the Cabinet to stimulate the economy, Ma said he shared the public’s anxiety and pain facing the slow economy, but added that part of the country’s economic situation was a reflection of the international economy.
“The people’s pain is my pain, and your suffering is my suffering,” Ma said. “The public is frustrated with the current economic hardship, and I accept the public’s resentment. But I urge you all to have faith in me and believe that I will lead the nation out of the economic straits.”
Defending the government’s policies such as plans to relax the 40 percent cap on investment in China and allowing Taiwan’s semiconductor industry to set up 12-inch wafer factories in China, Ma said that the government is not encouraging local industries to invest more in China but is merely lifting these bans to create a more friendly investment environment for both local and foreign companies, and to give them more decision-making space.
When asked by the media to share his birthday wishes one day before his birthday today, Ma said he wished for all disadvantaged groups to be well taken care of, and for the economic environment in Taiwan to improve soon.
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