Quite a few members of the new Cabinet are prestigious members of academic circles. National Taiwan University alumni comprise the largest group in the new government, while Academia Sinica members make up the next largest group. New government officials are bringing with them new changes. The new government is ready to begin "elevating" (向上提升) society, as Academia Sinica president Lee Yuan-tseh (李遠哲) had hoped.
The KMT's half-century rule had its merits and liabilities but now is the crucial moment for Taiwan's implementation of constructive policies. To achieve this goal, a new government consisting mostly of former scholars will have to make great efforts.
The academic community should spearhead the country with their knowledge, rather than intrinsic government power. A career in politics offers these scholars opportunities to apply their knowledge. Of course, this does not mean that the academic circles should monopolize the country's development in the long run, but does give us a chance to examine their leadership skills.
These officials should acquire the proper attitude and perception for their new jobs in the following ways: First, realize that politics is a profession, just as is academic research. To a scholar, a government position is very different from academic research. Unless they learn to respect their new profession, they will be unable to do their jobs efficiently.
Eradicating "black gold" politics is the top priority of the new government. To perform such an important task, we need morally upright and determined government officials who have courage. Many government officials who come from academic backgrounds regard themselves as morally upright making them the best choice for government positions requiring morality and righteousness. But they should discard the mentality that "I am the sole moral official in a dirty world." Instead, they should carefully ponder their roles in overtaking a nasty legacy left by KMT rule. They should find solutions to problems and implement good measures. People can distinguish between government officials who only boast about their morality and those who devote themselves to their work.
Yes, we do need the far-sighted vision of scholars to begin a new era. But officials still need to be in tune with the real world of politics, society at large, and the expectations of the people.
Lin Mei-rong is a researcher at the Institute of Ethnology at the Academia Sinica.
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