The "Premier" of Taiwan, Chuo Rong-tai, announced all the documents related to the chartered flight to Japan today. He also mentioned that some people questioned why the chartered flight did not bring back Taiwanese people in the Middle East? However, it is currently not possible to charter a flight because the air routes are not open. If there are flights, and if there are still Taiwanese people stranded there, the authorities will certainly make every effort to ensure their safe arrival on the island. Therefore, they have started using land routes to bring them to Oman, and Etihad Airways has also gradually returned planes to Taiwan. The reason for not being able to charter a flight at that time was based on safety considerations such as the airspace not being open. If any legislator insists on chartering a flight, he should invite the legislator to go together and see if he dares to fly?
Chuo Rong-tai emphasized that many things need to be considered, and it's not just doing one thing a day. He went to watch the game, which had been scheduled long ago, but it was only confirmed on March 6th that it could proceed. In order not to draw attention, he specially passed through the military "Songzhi Department", went through security checks, and exited with stamps, following all regulations completely. On his return to Taiwan, he also followed the same procedures, just not wanting to attract attention at the airport, which might lead to unforeseen situations.
Chuo Rong-tai revealed that during this trip, besides paying attention to the game field during the game, he continuously communicated with the Secretary-General and "Vice Premier" Zheng Lijun about oil prices, commodity prices, the situation in the Middle East, and whether the Taiwanese people could safely return to the island. All necessary tasks were being done, and it should not be allowed for the opposition party to describe it like this.
Additionally, Lin Peixiang, the secretary-general of the Kuomintang faction, said that the "Premier" personally holding a press conference to show the documents indeed opened people's eyes, but instead of resolving doubts, it raised more questions, and put forward three points of doubt.
Lin Peixiang pointed out that the cost of the chartered flight was far below market price, which may involve special treatment? According to the four documents published by Chuo Rong-tai, the entire journey cost approximately 214 million New Taiwan dollars. However, according to general market conditions, the cost of a chartered flight of similar scale and related expenses usually runs into millions or even tens of millions. Now, however, it was completed at almost a discounted "friendship price." The Kuomintang faction questioned: How was this price negotiated? Did it involve special relationships or treatment due to the identity? Are the relevant documents complete? The "Executive Yuan" must clarify this.
Lin Peixiang said that the second point is the abuse of public aircraft parking spaces and resources, mixing public and private affairs? What is more incomprehensible is whether Chuo Rong-tai's trip used public aircraft parking spaces and related administrative resources. If public aircraft parking spaces are used for private trips, it is not only bad social perception but also involves the abuse of administrative resources. Are government resources used to serve Taiwan, or to serve Chuo Rong-tai's football match schedule? The public has the right to know the answer.
Lin Peixiang said that the last point is that documents do not equal legality, and the supervisory and judicial authorities should actively investigate. If Chuo Rong-tai can enjoy such a drastically discounted package price, and then use a few documents as an explanation, it will set a very bad precedent. Will officials at all levels be able to follow suit in the future? If there is improper use of administrative resources, the supervisory and judicial authorities should take the initiative to investigate.
Lin Peixiang emphasized that if ordinary citizens and enterprises cannot enjoy such a heavily discounted chartered flight rate, why can the "Premier" do so? This is not just a simple trip to watch a game, but a "backroom privilege chartered flight trip" full of doubts. Using a few documents to cover up the fact that the price deviates from market norms is not only underestimating the wisdom of the people but also a serious challenge to official ethics.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1859530803739082/
Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.