Pres. Ma Ying-jeou must understand his people

These people suggest “talking about what is good” as the beginning of a concerted effort to build “a happy family, a harmonious society, a progressive nation and a large environment of sustained development.”

They do not think the Ma administration has erred as much in making wrong policies over the past 18 months, so much as in being “slow” to implement them. After the announcement of “correct decisions,” they say, the government, when confronting opposition from a minority, became hesitant, backtracking or apologetic as if it “did something wrong.”

Such acts, when performed repeatedly, ultimately led to a public perception of a lack of “guts,” which was the primary reason for the nationwide disappointment of the Ma regime as evidenced by opinion polls.

Now, knowledgeable observers can see that the biggest problem facing Ma and his government is the vast discrepancy between what they think of themselves and what the public perceives them to be. The president and his colleagues believe they have accomplished a lot for which they are not given due credit.

However, the voters do not think so. A recent photo published in a local evening newspaper vividly demonstrated a mixed feeling of sorrow and indignation fostered by Ma as shown by his somber facial expression with tightly closed lips.

That Ma continues to harbor grievances has yielded two results: 1. His repeated public apologies have not been seen as sincere with the effect of further damaging his image. 2. Since he candidly believes he has been wronged, he cannot seriously and effectively undergo self-examination to improve himself in the eyes of the public.

Of course, it is Ma's earnest hope that the public talks only about “what is good” about his regime. But this will and should not happen, particularly with respect to the media and intellectuals, who should always play the role of loyal opponents to those in power.

Various surveys have clearly and consistently shown that people have become increasingly dissatisfied with Ma's leadership style and administrative performance despite signs of economic recovery and stepped-up cross-strait activities. He should not have any reason to indulge in self-conceit or indignation.

Instead, he should conscientiously strive to understand the sentiments of his people by trying to think as they think and feel as they feel, because in a modern democracy, people are the masters no matter what. It is also hoped that the moral support given to Ma by some good-intentioned figures will not prohibit him from involving in introspection which is vital to his political survival and the well-being of the nation.

Subscribe to The China Post and save 25%. Click here

SharePrintEmail

Write a Comment

Terms

Enter your comments - 3000 characters max

Type in image code

Submit

 Receive China Post promos
 Respond to this email