Ma Ying-jeou apologizes for Morakot rescue delays

• Source: Global Times
• [01:17 August 19 2009]
• Comments

 Ma Ying-jeou (right) bows deeply to apologize for the slow response to the typhoon. Photo: CFP

By Chen Yang

Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou bowed deeply in a symbolic apology yesterday over the government’s slow response to Typhoon Morakot, but said he would not resign amid increasing criticism.

In response to an online poll conducted by the CNN news network, in which 82 percent of more than 15,000 respondents called for his resignation, Ma said he could understand those feelings and wants to improve his work during the rebuilding and recovery period.

“I will not escape my responsibility for the (victims’) relocation and resettlement in the future, and the public can evaluate me later,” he said at a press conference.

The investigation and punishment of negligent officials in the relief work will be conducted and released by early September at the latest, he added.

Ma said the government will reduce a planned procurement of 60 “Blackhawk” helicopters from the United States to 45 helicopters, and will use the freed $300 million to buy rescue helicopters and related equipment.

Ma also expressed gratitude to the mainland and the international community for aid provided for Taiwan’s typhoon relief effort.

The first batch of 100 prefabricated houses donated from the Chinese mainland arrived at Kaohsiung port yesterday afternoon, and earlier in the morning the second batch of disaster-relief materials was carried from Beijing to Kaohsiung by plane.

The materials included more than 10,000 sleeping bags, 10,000 blankets and 1,000 sterilizers, said Wang Yi, director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council.

He said a Russian-made Mi- 26 helicopter, which the mainland is ready to lend to Taiwan Province, is owned by a civil aviation company rather than the military.

The helicopter, which can lift 20 tons of goods or hold more than 100 people, was used in the relief work for the earthquake that occurred in Wenchuan, Sichuan Province in 2008.

“We have contacted China Flying Special Aviation Company, and the helicopter is ready to fly to Taiwan at any time,” Wang said.

Typhoon Morakot has killed at least 127 people and left 307 missing in Taiwan as of yesterday morning, the local disaster-response authorities said.