Ma cites Singapore as an example for Taiwan

The Straits Times, June 2, 2007


KMT presidential candidate praises Republic's openness and efficiency

TAIPEI - TAIWAN opposition leader Ma Ying-jeou says the island can learn from Singapore's policy of being open and pragmatic in its governance.

These are the paths that Taiwan must eventually take so as to connect better with the rest of the world and grow strong in the face of globalisation, he told Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao in an interview published on Wednesday.

'Singapore is a small place. Its initial development relied mainly on its opening up to foreign countries as well as its pragmatic policies,' he said.

'No small country can have a closed-door policy. If Singapore had adopted a closed-door policy, it couldn't possibly have survived. This is simple logic.'

Mr Ma, the Kuomintang party's standard-bearer for the presidential race in March next year, is keen to borrow from the Singapore experience and its success for his campaign platform.

He said: 'Singapore is different from us (Taiwan) as its emphasis is not on democratisation. Nevertheless, it is professional, corruption-free and efficient, which is worth our learning.

'The Singapore Government is very efficient. They can reach consensus easily and there is no squabbling or fighting.

'When they have an idea, they work towards it, and that's where it is different in terms of competitiveness.'

Singapore's openness also extended to its policy of attracting talents.

Mr Ma, 56, revealed that he was once 'head-hunted' by the island nation. He recalled receiving an invitation letter from the Singapore Government when he graduated from Harvard University, where he earned a doctorate in law in 1981.

He said: 'Singapore is small in size and population, which is why it opens itself up in a pragmatic way. Taiwan should have taken the same route.

'Although it is bigger than Singapore, it is still a small island, so the unavoidable path for Taiwan is to open up and be pragmatic.'

Citing the high pay of Singapore's ministers as one example of the country's pragmatism, Mr Ma noted: 'Singapore is a small nation surrounded by strong neighbours. The pressure for it to survive and grow is no less than that of Taiwan, so it has to adopt some very effective measures.'

The former mayor of Taipei may be full of praise for Singapore, but he is also cautious about not coming across as a convert.

When asked to compare the political and social environments of Taiwan and Singapore, he said: 'We can't say it (Singapore) is the only way. Taiwan has its merits, such as freedom, variety and many other things that are beyond one's imagination.

'Some people like it this way but there are others who think that Singapore is more stable. This is a choice of values.'

Mr Ma will face off against the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's Frank Hsieh in the presidential race. Mr Hsieh, a former premier, plans to visit the United States and Japan.

Mr Ma says he is also planning overseas trips.

He said: 'These visits are a way of advocating openness and pragmatism.

'We are not just looking at mainland China, we also want to be in touch with other countries, including the United States, Japan, South Korea and South-east Asia - especially with countries like Singapore, which are friendlier with us. We hope to maintain good relations with them.'



LOGICAL POLICY

'No small country can have a closed-door policy. If Singapore had adopted a closed-door policy, it couldn't possibly have survived. This is simple logic.'



VALUE CHOICES

'We can't say it (Singapore) is the only way. Taiwan has its merits, such as freedom, variety... Some people like it this way but there are others who think that Singapore is more stable. This is a choice of values.'

MR MA YING-JEOU