The Changing of the Guard

Vice-Premier Shih Chi-yang, noting that his new office carries no defined responsibilities, said his main work will be to: (1) Assist the Premier in his work; (2) Take responsibility for several specialized committees in the Executive Yuan; and (3) Undertake temporary duties assigned by the Premier, such as coordination between ministries.

New Secretary-General of the Executive Yuan Robert Chien said his job would be to act as staff to the Premier and Vice-Premier, and to undertake coordination of and communication among the various executive bureaucracies, and between these and the parliamentary bodies. Noting that "I have never worked from this side before," he promised to adopt an attitude of learning.

Frederick Chien also stressed that his organization is a staff group, and should act as a "lubricant" allowing the financial and economic bureaucracies to achieve their goals. Chien promised to eschew personal reward, maintain close relations with the various ministers, to promote among his colleagues time-consciousness and efficiency, as well as the use of the benefit of the majority of the people and future generations as the touchstones of decision-making. He hopes to take his organization in the direction of looking at the economy from a worldwide perspective.

Minister of the Interior Hsu Shui-teh outlined four tasks: (1) To improve public services and implement administrative reform; (2) To maintain public order; (3) To strengthen social welfare; (4) To carry on legislative drafting work, especially bills on private organizations, the organization of the provincial government, and a retirement plan for parliamentary representatives.

Foreign Minister Lien Chan expressed his desire to use "realistic, flexible, and forward-looking methods" to break through the current reliance on substantive foreign relations and to "establish formal diplomatic relations with ever country in the world" as well as to improve substantive relations. Lien also stressed that R.O.C. foreign policy has continuities that will not change despite the new faces. In personnel, Lien promised to promote by virtue of knowledge and experience, without considering other factors like provincial origin.

Minister of Finance Shirley Kuo emphasized "creativity" and "effectiveness" as the principles needed to face a changing world economy. She proposed that the tax system develop in an equitable and rational direction; that banking move toward "privatization," "liberalization," and "internationalization." She will strengthen ties to scholarly organizations and employ the mass media to better communicate the work of the ministry of thepublic.

"Democracy is the flower, rule of law is the root," says Minister of Justice Hsiao Tien-tsan. "If the people want democracy, they must respect the law." Laws will be strictly enforced; but Hsiao also emphasizes the need for cases at all levels to be handled fairly and justly. Reform of prison administration is also high on the agenda.

Minister of Economic affairs Chen Lian believes that it is essential to consider many aspects, including finance, labor, and the environment, in economic policy. Chen suggested that respect for public opinion is a necessary direction. Key problems include aiding small and medium business, aiding in the technological upgrading of industry, strengthening trade with Japan, and more.

Minister without Portfolio Wang You-tsao notes that his position also lacks defined responsibilities, but Wang promised to work conscientiously at the task assigned by the Premier. Based on his past experience with agricultural affairs, he hopes to assist policy in that area to become more comprehensive.

Similarly, Minister without Portfolio Huang Kun-hui, relying on his long experience in education, cultural, and youth affairs, hopes to unite "comprehensiveness," "prioritization," "feasibility," and a forward-looking attitude to assist in those areas.

The third Minister without Portfolio, Shen Chun-shan, not a member of the KMT, will focus on science and technology. In planning and coordination he will seek to reduce the role of personal opinion in search of an overarching position.

Yu Yu-hsien, Chairman of the Council of Agriculture, noted that farmers required special attention under the pressures of the current process of liberalization and internationalization, especially as: (1) Agriculture involves not just production but ecology; (2) It is the source of food and industrial raw materials, requiring careful planning for the country's security; and (3) Farm incomes should be protected under the principle of equitable distribution of wealth.

Chairman of the National Science Council Hsia Han-min has expectations of strengthening supervision of plan implementation and putting more into the currently underfunded humanities, social sciences, and medical sciences. The establishment of a national-level research lab is also on the agenda.

Ma Ying-jeou, Chairman of the Research, Development, and Evaluation Commission, sees his office's mission as providing suggestions based on research, information management, and comprehensive planning. The average age in the commission is 37, the youngest of any government institution; in the past 25 percent of the commission's work reports were put into effect. These two facts provide the basis for the future work of the commission.

[Picture Caption]

In the new cabinet press conference, new cabinet members discuss future methods and endeavors. Press conference is presided over by Director General of Government Information Office, Shaw Yu-Ming.