Taiwanese Lawmaker Criticizes Fund Cut's Impact on Sheltered Workshops, Recalls Ma Ying-jeou's Actions

A proposal by ruling party legislator Weng Hsiao-ling to freeze NT$30 million from the presidential discretionary fund has drawn sharp criticism, particularly for its impact on mid-autumn festival gift orders for 37 sheltered workshops, totaling NT$150 million. Weng's justification, which included referencing a past proposal by former legislator Pan Men-an to cut the fund, has been labeled as "rumormongering" by Chang Yu-meng, chairman of the Taiwan Youth Generation Association for Common Prosperity.

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Rumormongering with one mouth, refuting rumors takes legs.

Chang vehemently refuted Weng's claims, emphasizing a critical distinction in the historical handling of the discretionary fund. He pointed out that in 2009, during a period of economic hardship, then-President Ma Ying-jeou controversially increased the fund from its long-standing NT$30 million to NT$40 million. Ma later announced a voluntary reduction of NT$10 million, a move Chang sarcastically described as "generously" cutting the fund after initially increasing it. This maneuver, Chang argued, was a self-serving act that ignored public sentiment during a difficult economic period.

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In 2009, Ma Ying-jeou began to enrich himself, suddenly increasing the discretionary fund from the long-standing 30 million to 40 million, and without any reason.

In contrast, Chang highlighted that since Ma's administration, the presidential discretionary fund has been consistently set at NT$30 million for 12 consecutive years, spanning the presidencies of Ma, Tsai Ing-wen, and current President Lai Ching-te. He stressed that this NT$30 million allocation is not for the president's personal use but is divided, with 60% designated for military and presidential office staff, and 40% directed towards supporting vulnerable groups. This established practice stands in stark contrast to the current legislative move to cut the fund entirely.

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First increase it by 10 million, then 'generously' announce a self-reduction of 10 million.

Chang further criticized the current legislative bloc for what he termed "indiscriminate slashing," led by Weng, which has resulted in the fund being reduced to zero this year. He also questioned the selective outrage, noting that when Ma Ying-jeou's administration engaged in similar practices, including ordering gift boxes from sheltered workshops, a majority of KMT legislators offered their support. However, when President Lai Ching-te undertakes identical actions, Weng allegedly frames it as favoritism towards his supporters. Chang concluded by reiterating that Ma's decision to increase the fund during an economic downturn was a significant misstep, and the KMT has seemingly failed to learn from the public backlash it generated.

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From Ma Ying-jeou's term nearing its end, through Tsai Ing-wen, to the current President Lai Ching-te, regardless of party, the presidential discretionary fund has been budgeted at 30 million for 12 consecutive years. No one enriched themselves like Ma Ying-jeou.