The National Development Council (NDC) will not serve a “caretaker” role, new council Minister Woody Duh (杜紫軍) said at a handover ceremony yesterday, adding that he will lead the NDC as it continues to push major policies for national development.
Duh, former minister of economic affairs and minister without portfolio, said he was asked by Premier Mao Chi-kuo (毛治國) to take the position on Thursday night last week.
While initially declining the offer, Duh was later persuaded by the premier, he added.
“He [Mao] told me that he could not find a suitable person to take the post and asked me to act for the greater good for the country. I could not really say no to him,” Duh said.
Duh said he would do his best to keep pushing the progress of major policies, including a draft bill regarding the establishment of free economic pilot zones.
However, he said he would not spend too much time on pushing the legislative procedures of the draft if there are related issues that have not reached a consensus among legislators.
Duh said he would instead focus on communicating with the public and listening to public opinion about the draft bill to see whether there is anything the government should amend in the bill.
“We will not give up on the draft bill, but we will adjust the way we do things,” he said.
As the council bears the responsibility to map out development plans for the nation, Duh said: “We will spare no effort in our duties, regardless which political party rules the nation.”
Former council minister Kuan Chung-ming (管中閔) believes Duh will lead the council well.
“I feel relieved to hand over the affairs to Duh because I know they are in good hands,” Kuan said at the ceremony.
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