|
Ma, mom make last-minute market stopThe China Post news staff TAIPEI, Taiwan -- President Ma Ying-jeou yesterday visited Xinglong market (興隆市場) with his mother on the day before Chinese New Year's Eve, which is called “Little New Year's Eve” (小除夕) in Mandarin.
February 9, 2013, 12:03 am TWN The president, who was accompanied by Deputy Taipei Mayor Chen Wei-jen (陳威仁), spent NT$3,720 on pork knuckles, dumplings, lou mei (lou wei), vegetables and fruit. Ma was greeted warmly by shopkeepers and shoppers alike; many asked to have their photographs taken with him, while others asked for autographs. The president gave out red envelopes and spring couplets, wishing everyone happy and prosperous new year. When asked if he felt this year's food prices were higher than last year, Ma said that he didn't feel there was a big difference. Reporters asked the president's mother what she intended to prepare for her son on New Year's Eve, to which she replied, “He's not picky. He likes everything.” Reporters further asked her if she felt the president should spend more time with her, Ma's mother, “He loves his mother very much. He has dinner with me at least once a week. ”He loves his family ... his country and all of you.” When asked about the criticism leveled against her son, the president's mother said, “Only through criticism can one improve.” |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||