orruption rules to allow Ma Ying-jeou, who is indicted on embezzlement charges, to run in the presidential election in 2008, there have been reports that the KMT's highest power organ is considering taking further steps to amend the party charter so that Ma can be qualified for nomination for president even if he is convicted in the first trial. These moves, perceived as tailor-made to meet the needs of Ma personally, have created bitter controversies even within the KMT. Jason Hu, mayor of Taichung, raised vehement objections, saying the relaxation of "anti-black gold" articles made at this moment will only subject Ma, long regarded by local residents as a person of unbending integrity, to charges of favoritism.
Lien Chan, the honorary chairman of the KMT, stressed that the relaxation of the rules "has its positive significance," but the "negative impact should also be carefully heeded."
Since Ma announced his decision to run for president in 2008 immediately after he was indicted for embezzlement of public funds, this country has been engulfed in strenuous turmoil marked by strong emotional outbursts from both supporters and opponents of Ma. Indeed, in such a situation of confusion, it is extremely difficult for any politician to take correct actions that can evade criticism. This is particularly true for the KMT and Ma, both at the center of the political storm.
At the present, it appears that the top priority of the agenda of the KMT, the largest opposition party, is how to recapture the lost power in 2008. To this end, the KMT leaders are making all-out efforts to try to put Ma and Wang Jin-pyng, the president of the Legislative Yuan, on the same ticket, because it is generally acknowledged that the two are among the most popular political figures in Taiwan today. Since it is a well-known fact that Ma and Wang do not enjoy a cordial relationship, it is no easy task to make the two cooperate enthusiastically.
Several pieces of advice may be offered to Ma during this chaotic time. Even indicted on graft charges, Ma still receives high approval ratings on the question of integrity and his decision to seek the presidency, according to latest opinion polls. As a matter of fact, in view of the dirty politics prevailing in Taiwan in recent years, many urge Ma to run not so much because they expect him to win as to offer them one more chance for clean and honest politics. Thus, Ma should not let these people down by resorting to tricks or deceptive tactics just for the purpose of winning. He should not, for example, engage in too much maneuvering, as suggested by some of his supporters, in order to become a candidate of the KMT, because in so doing he will be perceived as not an upright and fair-minded person.
It is earnestly hoped that the current crisis will inspire Ma to learn to be more decisive in pursuit of justice to give Taiwan politics a glimmer of hope. To decent people, ultimate success should not be achieved by unjustified means.
