Chen was appointed to head the FSC on the basis of his “integrity” and “expertise.” However, ever since assuming office, Chen had never correctly grasped the government policy on many issues such as problems concerning the second financial reform and the speed with which to react to the stock market plunge.

During the investigation of the corruption charges against former President Chen Shui-bian, anonymous letters were flying every where about the illegal activities of various private financial groups. But, since Chen was a devout Buddhist, he was “very merciful and prudent” in dealing with these accusations with the result that the FSC was jeered as a “toothless tiger.” In addition, the FSC made frequent improper utterances that aggravated headache for the highest level of the government.

With the above information as the background, several comments may be made. First, there is a seeming contradiction in news reports that Chen stepped down with a “lightening speed” but actually Premier Liu had considered his resignation for a week. Secondly, it is apparent that the Ma Ying-jeou administration tends to over-emphasize the “integrity” and “expertise” of government employees while overlooking the importance of other qualities of appointees that are key to their professional success such as insightfulness, boldness and decisiveness, particularly at a time of economic and financial crisis as Taiwan and the whole world are experiencing now. Thirdly, in view of all the controversies surrounding Chen, why did Premier Liu wait so long to accept his resignation? Why did he do it “reluctantly?” All these demonstrated a clear lack of decisiveness and judgment and acting like a goody-goody on the part of the Ma administration in handling significant state affairs.

Finally, there is an apparent need to remind President Ma and his team once again of the grave consequences of the serious misstatements by high official because they may prove fatal to his administration which is already at the bottom of popularity ratings. The incredibly absurd gaffes by top government leaders can no longer be tolerated as they show a serious shortcoming in clear thinking and logical training. How can people trust a government full of such muddle-headed officials? And nobody knows when and where such incomprehensible words will burst out of their big mouths again. Doesn’t this make President Ma nervous? Does he believe his unpopular administration can sustain this kind of damage any more without losing its credibility completely?

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