Ma Ying-jeou

"We cannot pass a bill simply because President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) says so and has set a deadline," he said.

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"It doesn't make any sense that someone who makes a mistake isn't punished, but is instead promoted," DPP Legislator Chiu Yi-ying (邱議瑩) told a press conference at the Legislative Yuan yesterday. "Apparently, if you have connections, you won't have any trouble," she said, referring to the fact that Shen was President Ma Ying-jeou's (馬英九) high school classmate. DPP Legislator Huang Wei-cher (黃偉哲) said that Shen had ­jeopardized the "clean political standards"

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"The KMT and President Ma Ying-jeou obviously thought that if they don't put him away, he'll raise trouble for cross-strait relations and for domestic affairs; he still has a lot of supporters," said Shane Lee, a political science professor from Chang Jung Christian University.

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"Chen's case will serve as a warning for Ma and future leaders so that they may refrain from walking in his footsteps," he said. "At the same time many question whether Chen is being punished because of a political clash between him and the current administration."

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"I have completed my duties at this phase," said Liu, who has held his post since Ma Ying-jeou became president in May 2008.

Read more: Taiwan’s prime minister resigns over response to deadly typhoon | In this article: Wu Den-yih, Taiwan, Typhoon Morakot, and Taipei

President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) said earlier this month in a speech at a memorial service for the Morakot victims that "China's contributions have so far amounted to donations that exceed NT$5 billion, the single largest donation [received] from overseas. "

Read more: It will take time to receive Chinese donations: MAC | In this article: MAC, China, Taiwan, Typhoon Morakot, and Taiwan Strait

Ma Ying-jeou was initially quoted as saying that "t is still unknown who is responsible for the bloodshed in Tibet, the Chinese government or the Tibetans."

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President Ma Ying-jeou said the Dalai Lama could "pray for the souls of the deceased and seek blessings for the survivors of the typhoon".

Read more: Taiwan leader clears Dalai Lama visit | In this article: Dalai Lama, Taiwan, Beijing, Dharamsala, Tibet, Typhoon Morakot, Revenue, and Democratic Progressive Party

"Therefore, the president said he is monitoring the situation with a heavy heart," the statement said.

Read more: Hundreds stranded in typhoon-hit Taiwan | In this article: Taiwan, Kaohsiung, and Typhoon Morakot

He said: "We are still evaluating how much money will be needed for disaster recovery. If this amount is more than our current budget, we will be making a decision tomorrow about whether to increase it or not."

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