The Ministry of Examination (考選部) dismissed allegations yesterday that this year's bar examination was pushed forward from December to October for the convenience of the president's son.
"It is true that the national exam took place in December last year, but we didn't make any changes to cater to anyone since we treat every examinee equally," said Lee Ching-hsiang (李清香), secretary-general of the examination ministry under the Examination Yuan.
Lee was responding to allegations made by New Party City Councilor Lee Ching-yuan (
Councilor Lee claimed that Chen Chih-chung (陳致中), the president's son, has a private room at the Chenkungling military base in Taichung County because he needs to prepare for the bar examination.
Lee also alleged that the examination ministry altered the dates of the exam this year for the convenience of Chen.
"Chen doesn't have much time to study for the exam at the boot camp. He may fail if it takes place in December," Lee said.
Lee added that everyone who has served in the military knows that a recruit is not allowed to leave camp until at least two weeks into the basic training program.
"But unlike others, he has the privilege to take leaves from the program," he said, showing documents to prove that Chen has registered to take the three-day exam, which began yesterday.
Chen, however, failed to show up at the exam venue yesterday.
Chen, who just graduated from National Taiwan University this summer, began his 56-day basic training at the boot camp on Monday. Before he officially embarks on his two-year compulsory military service as a military law officer, he will receive three more months' training at a military school.
In response to Lee Ching-yuan's accusation, Lee Ching-hsiang said that the councilor appeared to be in the dark about the examination situation.
According to her, although the national exam took place in December last year, the Examination Yuan has approved plans to start holding three different examinations instead of one for different professions this year.
The examination for medical professionals, including doctors of Chinese medicine, nutritionists and veterinarians, took place between July 25 and July 28 this year.
Tests for lawyers, accountants, social workers and private notaries takes place between Oct. 19 and Oct. 21.
Examinations for architects, technicians, and real estate evaluators is scheduled to take place between Dec. 22 and Dec. 25.
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