Premier Jiang Yi-huah (江宜樺) yesterday demanded that Cabinet officials refrain from putting forward policy proposals before they obtain consent from President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) and him.
Before formulating policy of vital importance, Cabinet officials must take up the issues with Jiang and Ma and the policies can be implemented only when Ma and Jiang support the ideas, Executive Yuan spokesperson Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文) quoted Jiang as saying at a symposium with Cabinet members on the principles Jiang laid out to guide his Cabinet to make the country “a rich and courteous democracy” through “innovative and revolutionary approaches.”
The principle was one of 10 major points Jiang made during his 30-minute speech, followed by a 45-minute discussion.
Photo: Liu Hsin-de, Taipei Times
Jiang said that Cabinet officials should identify a few high-priority goals they want to accomplish this year and the concepts of a policy must be made clear to the public by relating them with real-life stories, Cheng cited Jiang as saying.
Cheng said Jiang also encouraged Cabinet officials to get together more often, in addition to meeting on official occasions, to engage in activities such as movies, mountain-climbing or tea-gathering to develop team spirit.
Jiang demanded that Cabinet officials conduct a poll to find out what people think about a policy idea before a decision is made on the policy and go to the grassroots level to listen to people’s demands and to resolve their problems, Cheng said.
Photo: Liu Hsin-de, Taipei Times
Also among Jiang’s directives was his reiteration that Cabinet officials must “actively communicate with people from all circles of society,” including staff members within their respective departments, the president, the premier, local governments at all levels, lawmakers, experts and academics in related fields, as well as affected groups, civil groups, reporters, party chapters and political commentators, Cheng said.
Jiang said that Cabinet officials should be respectful of the opinions of lawmakers, regardless of party affiliation, treat academics, experts and civil groups holding differing views with respect, and be vigilant for any integrity problems with their subordinates.
Cabinet officials must not be afraid of coming up with new ideas to benefit the nation out of concern that way of doing things could leave them in trouble, Cheng quoted Jiang as saying, adding that they should act boldly instead of being conservative.
Earlier, Ma delivered a short address to the Cabinet in which he instructed officials to follow five steps in policy formulation and implementation.
The five steps were listening to the people’s opinions with a humble heart, conducting a thorough deliberation on issues, communicating with concerned parties sincerely, making a decision with caution and carrying out the policy effectively, Ma said.
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