During last year’s nine-in-one elections, Taiwanese taught the government a harsh lesson through the ballot box, forcing President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) to step down as chairman of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT).
There were initially high expectations on all sides that Ma, having suffered a serious setback at the hands of voters, would engage in self-reflection and adjust his government to take into account public opinion. Even if Ma is unwilling to change course, he should at least adjust his attitude and take a conciliatory approach to governance during his remaining time as president.




