The Presidential Office is calling for respect for the investigation into “suspicions” about the job performance of former Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) deputy minister Chang Hsien-yao. That’s the word from Presidential Office spokeswoman Ma Wei-guo on Tuesday.
Chang stepped down about a week ago. Rumor has it that he is suspected of leaking confidential information to China. But Chang denied any misconduct.
Ma spoke on the presidential office’s stance on the controversy.
"We call on the public to wait for the results of the investigation that is charged with clarifying the truth. To avoid creating social unrest, the public should refrain from speculation, groundless guesses and exaggerations," said Ma. "The presidential office would like to reemphasize that it doesn’t want to see anyone use the incident for political purposes or hurt the country, especially when it comes to cross-strait relations," she said.
The presidential office spokeswoman also said Chang was removed from his post at the suggestion of MAC Minister Wang Yu-chi. His departure was also approved by President Ma Ying-jeou.
The spokeswoman also said Chang’s departure has nothing to do with National Security Council Secretary-General King Pu-tsung.