In his first Cabinet meeting since taking over as premier, Mao Chi-kuo today encouraged members of the new administrative team to identify the will of the people, have a clear understanding of problems, and be creative when serving Taiwan.
"In my 20-some years as a public servant, it has been gratifying to be able to promote and complete difficult projects and policies. Sometimes, however, the process can be frustrating when we encounter resistance or are wronged by the public.
"As the ancients say, 'view lightly the matters that go smoothly, but take seriously the matters that do not.' Aside from exercising patience, we must examine ourselves and reflect on how else we can improve. This way, we can turn frustration into motivation for moving forward." Mao urged all members of the Cabinet to encourage one another with this type of understanding and attitude.
The results of the recent election revealed the current public opinion and showed that the government must thoroughly examine its policies' aims and means of implementation. This is particularly true when it comes to seeking the approval of different groups of people. Mao stated that after long contemplation, he had identified at least two areas deserving attention.
The first involves policy planning and promotion processes. In recent years the government, based on a defined ideology, has formulated numerous policies to benefit the nation and its citizens, the premier stated. Nevertheless, as management experts have said, no matter how good a new policy is, it will inevitably be met with doubts and obstruction because it challenges the status quo.
Therefore, to ensure smooth policy promotion, it is necessary to foresee obstructions and diffuse them head on, Mao indicated. Comprehensive communication is the cornerstone in carrying out such a process. Officials must place themselves in the opposition's shoes and see things from their viewpoint to achieve consensus.
"I'm afraid we must acknowledge that the planning processes for many policies require re-examination," Mao said. Officials must admonish themselves at all times and should not prematurely conclude that they already understand citizens' thoughts when in fact they do not. Changing one's perspective on an issue will affect one's attitude and actions, he advised.
The premier stated that he himself and other officials must learn and uphold the management principle of "changing one's position" or even "changing one's brain" when contemplating issues, planning policies, and communicating with legislators and the public. For example, will a new policy be accepted by everyone in principle? How do we weigh the pros and cons of a policy that is well intentioned and generally accepted?
From now on, such problems must be dealt with openly and sincerely, and the government must communicate with all those concerned about an issue in order to obtain consensus.
Second, the government does not seem to have an adequate understanding of the world in which citizens live. "Many government employees, including myself, may not be sufficiently familiar with Internet technologies or the information that circulates online among the younger generation."
The lack of information and understanding about the opinions, preferences, needs and thinking of young netizens can lead government planners to make the wrong call, he added.
Mao emphasized that the government should build a bridge between the "traditional world" and the emerging "virtual world." This bridge, on the one hand, can allow for the exchange of views between the traditional and virtual worlds, and on the other promote sharing of resources. Its aim is to merge the two spheres into a "complete world." In this way, citizens can enjoy their lives and develop their businesses both in the physical and virtual worlds.
Based on such observations, Mao said, the administration must first display the greatest sincerity when communicating with the Legislature, particularly on bills that do not have support across party lines. Identifying the will of the people and communicating with those concerned are the basics of lawmaking, he affirmed.
Second, the government must "hold fast to social justice, ensure environmental sustainability, and pursue economic prosperity" when planning policies. Those executing policy must take to heart the equality and respect emphasized by democratic systems as well as the value of mutual understanding inherent in civil society, Mao said.
"We should remember that the goal of government administration is to improve citizens' welfare, and the government can only be successful if the citizens are satisfied," he stated.
Third, when planning policies for different ages and groups, the government must "find outlets for youth and supports for the elderly, seek out opportunities for enterprises, and offer dignified living environments for the disadvantaged." These are broad concepts, he said, adding that a fundamental idea behind them is to gradually and fully integrate the virtual and physical worlds.
As an illustration, Premier Mao said Internet technology can be used to create a platform for exchanging viewpoints between physical and virtual communities. This will help innovative and creative young entrepreneurs find ways of overcoming business hurdles. Through the platform, the different generations will have greater access to the strengths of one another and to the enormous resources of the physical world, he explained.
Inter-ministerial resources are needed to make this concept a reality, and Mao is confident the administration has the skills and ability to get the job done.
In closing, Premier Mao said his education and training as an engineer has taught him to think and act as a problem-solver. When faced with challenges, the key is to identify the problem and find a creative solution.
"The premiership comes with great challenges and responsibilities, and I thank all who are willing to join the team and undertake this weighty task. At a difficult time like this, we have no right to be pessimistic or passive. We must examine our policies, readjust our steps, and use creativity to serve our beloved Taiwan."