Mao to step in as new ROC premier

2014-12-05

Vice Premier Mao Chih-kuo was named ROC premier Dec. 3 with a mandate to stabilize the Cabinet as quickly as possible, according to the Presidential Office.

“Having served as vice premier for one year and 10 months, Mao is familiar with the administration’s policies,” Presidential Office Spokesperson Ma Kuo-wei said in a statement.

As Mao is known for being skilled at inter-ministerial communication and coordination, the appointment will ensure a seamless transition, the spokesperson added.

Mao replaces Jiang Yi-huah as head of the Cabinet. Jiang and his team resigned en masse Dec. 1 after the ruling Kuomintang lost the Nov. 29 local government elections.

“The government must resume normal operations and no time can be wasted in serving the people,” Mao said in a statement issued after his appointment was announced. “We will listen humbly to the people and engage in deep reflection. It is our obligation to fulfill the needs of the public.”

The incoming premier said the government’s top priority will be to fast-track legislative approval of the 2015 central government budget. As to other major projects, he said the new Cabinet will strive to achieve consensus among all parties involved through dialogue.

Mao also urged other Cabinet members to remain in office during this challenging time. “It is our responsibility to ensure political stability and restore public trust in government.”

The new Cabinet head said he is committed to tackling the difficulties ahead. “We will bear in mind that the country belongs to the people, and that the future is in the hands of the young. We will do our best.”

With a doctorate in civil engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Mao has held a variety of posts within the government, including chairman of state-run Chunghwa Telecom Co. Ltd., director-general of the Civil Aeronautics Administration and Tourism Bureau and minster of transportation and communications.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=224864&CtNode=413)