That Wu and his family made a visit to the former British colony was not a secret at all as he himself had disclosed the trip, saying he was to seek advice from Leung Chun-ying, convener of the Hong Kong Executive Council, about how to handle mudslide problems. However, some of the local media rehashed the issue again by accusing Wu of “betraying the country” in trying to get the approval of Beijing for his new job and the formation of his Cabinet through Leung, who allegedly is the front-running candidate for the next special administrator of the former British colony. Some of government's responses were not that convincing in terms of clarification with the result that DPP supporters demanded that Wu reveal the entire schedule of his Hong Kong visit to prove that he did not engage in any clandestine activities that might harm Taiwan's interest.

Finally, a battered Wu was forced to disclose the details of his Hong Kong trip. For a time during the episode many were indeed worried about the outcome of the partisan dispute with the potential to deal a heavy blow not only to Wu personally but, more importantly, to the Ma administration as the general public pinned so much hope on the new Cabinet to move the nation forward in a successful reconstruction campaign in the aftermath of an appallingly destructive typhoon and the accompanying floods a month ago. However, Wu's performance in his first appearance in the Parliament, better than anticipated, effectively stalled the onslaught of the opposition, to the relief to the whole nation.

Looking back, we must urge Wu to do some soul-searching about his timing and handling of the controversial Hong Kong journey. He must realize that it is difficult for any public figures to keep political secrets in an open society like Taiwan. In responding to “explosive revelations,” he should not dance under the baton of others. Instead, he should make his own decision as to what he should and should not do. In the case of his Hong Kong excursion, Wu should have quickly and forcefully denied the “national betrayal” charge, an accusation that few knowledgeable people in Taiwan would believe it was credible anyway. In doing so, he should have made every statement thoughtfully, honestly and accurately.

As to all other questions, he could and should have chosen not to answer them at all, invoking the privilege of privacy as an important human right to avoid getting mired in a senseless and winless war of words. Wu erred in answering many inappropriate and irrelevant queries elusively and inconsistently, which would only undermine his credibility. He should not repeat his blunder in the future because it is too politically risky and costly.