Valuing moral character is of great importance

Taiwan’s problems during this past period have stemmed from the lack of emphasis on moral character, education, breeding and the ability to do soul searching, Ma added.

Those are sensible words indeed. Over the past few years, neither the government nor our schools have put any emphasis on the importance of moral values. There has even been a tendency among policy makers to de-emphasize moral education.

One clear indication of this tendency is the fact that Confucius’ birthday — which used to be a national holiday — is no longer a holiday for the general public. There has been a deliberate attempt to banish Confucian values from school education.

Confucian values are the cornerstone of the moral system of the Chinese and that of many of China’s neighbors, such as Korea and Japan. These two countries owe their economic prosperity to the influence that Confucianism has had on their cultures.

Chinese dynasties that attached importance to Confucian values were almost all strong and prosperous, whereas those that ignored the sage’s teachings were inevitably weak and short-lived.

It is, therefore, little wonder that, over recent years, the government has been rife with corruption with many officials indicted or imprisoned for graft and other immoral deeds.

Taiwan cannot hope to have a vigorous economy unless it has an efficient government. And high government efficiency depends as much on policy makers having moral character as on their capability. Ma must live up to his promise with regard to the appointment of government officials.

The administration under Ma should make strenuous efforts to restore and promote traditional moral values. Out of this campaign will come a more stable and prosperous Taiwan society.

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