19.8.09 Blog Post 1: News Article REview

Ma under fire but will not resign: Typhoon Morakot + My opinions
With reference to the Straits Times 19 August 2009

Bowing deeply in a symbolic apology to victims of the typhoon, Taiwan President, Ma Ying-jeou ruled out stepping down to take responsibility for the high death toll. He insisted that he will not step down as he had exercised strong leadership in the disaster rescue operation.
Typhoon Morakot slammed Taiwan on Aug 8 and to date at least 127 people were confirmed dead and many others missing. The death toll could rise to 500. The President and his government have been blamed for the high death toll and massive destruction. They have been criticised for their tardy reaction to the aftermath of the typhoon as well as the initial rejection of foreign aids. The Foreign Ministry had initially rejected foreign offers of aid but reversed the decision five days after the storm hit. The Vice-Foreign Minister resigned to take responsibility but criticism is still mounting. Friends and those normally pro-Ma have taken a different stance and are showing disapproval of the government handling of the disaster.
Ma was described as distant, arrogant and indecisiveness in the face of the disaster. Foreign aids from 60 countries including the US and Singapore has donated cash, relief supplies and is assisting in the post relief efforts. They are now focusing on rebuilding, relocation and resettlement of the survivors.
Typhoon Morakot has not only been a disaster for the people of Taiwan but also President Ma Ying-jeou KMT government. Mr Ma’s popularity has slumped in the worst-hit area of southern Taiwan and had eroded his hard-won successes. This will definitely hurt KMT chances in the year-end local elections. Typhoon Morakot has benefited the opposition DPP candidates. It is a setback to President Ma’s popularity and the KMT approval rating.
I feel that President Ma displayed inexperienced in the face of adversity. Although I think this is the very first time a disaster of such scale has struck in his first years of presidency, he did not display the strong leadership expected of him. He should have put this as prime priority when it happens and monitor the situation closely. For example, he should not have left the decision whether to reject the foreign aid to his vice-foreign minister. He should have gathered all the rescue teams and army much earlier so as to help with the rescue work and avoid the high death toll.

I feel that the disaster made it easier for the opposition party and foes of the KMT to spark anti-KMT feelings and find fault. His handling of the disaster only added oil to the fire, which was the chance that the opposition had been waiting for. Now, in addition to rebuilding the physical damage to the community caused by the typhoon, Mr Ma has to think of new strategies to regain people’s trust and increase the popularity of the KMT. It is an uphill task, but I feel that with Ma’s astuteness and intelligence, he will be able to do it.