Premier Sean Chen today responded to a recent article appearing in The Economist titled "Ma the Bumbler," which criticized President Ma Ying-jeou and his administration as being ineffectual in lifting Taiwan's economy. Describing himself as a longtime reader of the London-based weekly, Chen said he was familiar with the magazine's style and that it never speaks favorably of any nation or government.
While attending the 50th anniversary celebration of the China Grain Products Research and Development Institute based in Taiwan, Chen said the article contains misunderstandings about Taiwan that warrant clarification.
"For example, it mentioned that the number of families living below the poverty line has leapt. In actuality, the government raised the national poverty line when amending the Social Assistance Act last year so that more people could qualify for public assistance. Naturally, the number of people living in poverty increased," he explained.
"Statistics alone do not show what the government has done to take care of the disadvantaged," Chen added.
The premier said the administration accepts all criticism humbly; it will continue to improve on its shortcomings and push forward a mix of aggressive policies aiming to revive and boost the economy.