Cabinet reshuffle to be moderate: premier

Liu said public criticism of the government's inefficiency in dealing with the aftermath of Typhoon Morakot is not the sole consideration in deciding upon the new Cabinet lineup.

“I have been observing the situation for more than a year and was simply awaiting an appropriate time to make an announcement,” the premier said. Liu said one of the factors under evaluation is the Cabinet's performance in dealing with the global financial crisis.

According to the premier, although the country has not yet completely emerged from the financial storm, the most difficult period is over.

The government's sluggish early response to the typhoon disaster and the inefficiency of initial rescue efforts have led to widespread public resentment and the most serious leadership crisis the Ma administration has faced since it took office in May 2008.

In a public apology Aug.18 for his administration's shortcomings, Ma promised to punish the responsible officials and to consider reshuffling the Cabinet in early September.

Both Minister of National Defense Chen Chao-min and Executive Yuan Secretary-General Hsieh Hsiang-chuan verbally offered to resign Aug. 19.

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