Has Premier Yu Shyi-kun established his governing style seven months after taking office? Yu frankly admitted that almost no administrative achievements have received laudatory and encouraging remarks from the public, although his Cabinet members have exerted all their strength. How-ever, they have made tremendous efforts to stem the backlash caused by some legislation.
A series of proposals such as the health insurance fee hikes, repeal of income tax exemptions for military officers and teachers, and expanding the eligibility of the elderly for stipend programs show the difficulties that Yu is reluctant to discuss. Our government can only sigh with bitterness that the proposed measures can't please both policymakers and the people. The integrity and merit behind their efforts have won little applause.
The events mentioned above reflect the progress of diversification in Taiwan's changing society. It is difficult for government policies to be well thought out; they must face a certain degree of resistance. However, if a large gap exists between the policymakers' judgements and the public's response after a policy is introduced, soliciting opinions during the policymaking process as well as communicating after the final decision is made, needs to be improved. If not, the gap may cause groups to take opposite stands against each other. Should the government not exercise caution and prudence?
An efficient and responsive government should take the initiative and clearly explain a proposal to its citizens. Solid reasons and reliable data should be provided to help the public understand. If a proposed policy is expected to be controversial, the government should prepare adequate and clear information or arrange policy conferences in an effort to get its message across. People yearn for more information to help them make the right decisions.
Because the government has the right to distribute "public resources," any proposed policy should be subject to scrutiny in the public domain. Our government should no longer follow the old maxim of "they who govern make the least noise." Instead, officials should fulfill the public's "right to know." If Yu wishes to maintain a low profile, the role of the Cabinet spokesperson should be enhanced so as to lessen the degree of external distrust and suspicion of administrative objectives.
With regard to the recent debate on the proposed political party law and the statue concerning those assets improperly obtained by political parties, the Taipei Society has been the first non-governmental organization to criticize "party capitalism" and is therefore pleased to see the administration taking such a bold move to settle long-standing privileges of a prejudiced nature.
When the opposition accused the administration of engaging in "political score-settling and wrangling," the Executive Yuan should have immediately responded to the allegation. The Executive Yuan should also have declared its uncompromising position to clarify the rumor that the ruling party intends to have the problems of party assets bartered for the approval of the government's budget.
In fact, the Executive Yuan should transcend party discord to appeal to the public on the two proposed policies. The failure to handle the issues properly may force the executive branch to shoulder the bitterness of policy setback and once again miss an opportunity for reform.
We expect Yu's team to try harder to gain the public's trust. The purpose of party politics is not just canvassing for votes, but to see which ruling party can create a legitimate system to ensure political stability.
For instance, the Taipei Society's proposal on government reform suggests that the key to success or failure is not reducing the number of civil servants or subcontracting government work. Instead, the administration should review personnel and accounting laws and regulations. Lessening the degree of bureaucratization can change the formality and mentality for control, to allow for creativity.
The Taipei Society has always upheld the intelligentsia's obligation to comment on politics, telling the truth to those in power. Even when the administration is striving for lasting peace and political stability, the Taipei Society will also give the kind of support and validation officials deserve.
Ku Chung-hwa is a professor of sociology at National Chengchi University and the chairman of the Taipei Society.
Translated by Grace Shaw
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