Saying that the president is a national asset, the secretary-general of the think tank Taiwan Advocates, Wang Yan-chun (王燕軍), yesterday criticized President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九), saying he should not try to burnish his image by engaging in risky activities.
Ma on Tuesday took part in the 100th anniversary of Tung Yuan Elementary School and participated in the 800m relay race. Ma, an avid jogger, is known for making public appearances in which he jogs or swims.
Wang, who served as a bodyguard to former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) for more than 10 years, said that while it was understandable that Ma wishes to show the public that he is personable and loves sports, he should remember that as president, he is the nation’s most important asset.
Photo: Wang Min-wei, Taipei Times
Wang said it was inappropriate that Ma, 61, participated in the track event on Tuesday, during which Wang said at one point, it looked as if Ma almost lost his balance.
During the warm-up exercises prior to the relay race, Ma had inadvertently showed the media his underwear. Wang said the event had also damaged the national image.
If the president wanted to participate in the event on a whim, his body guards should have stepped in and advised him against taking part in the relay, Wang said.
Out of consideration for the country, Wang said Ma should not act arbitrarily, adding that if Ma insisted on doing so, it would mean that Ma did not respect his position as head of state.
“If he won against elementary students it would’ve meant nothing, and to lose against elementary students is quite shameful,” Wang said, adding that Ma could have just sounded the signal or given a speech, which would also encourage children to participate in sports.
For security purposes, Ma’s love of swimming should be put on hold during the winter, because catching a cold would affect Ma’s statecraft, Wang said, adding that Ma should respect his office and take into consideration what is best for the country, instead of doing whatever he wants.
Presidential Office spokesman Fang Chiang Tai-chi (范姜泰基) said Ma had been promoting sport as the head of a nation, and was extremely glad to have participated in the race with the students.
Ma was also gratified when the sixth-grader Yang En-tzu (楊恩慈) won by a shoulder’s breadth, Fang Chiang added.
TRANSLATED BY JAKE CHUNG, STAFF WRITER
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