Ma Family Issues Statement Hoping Ma Ying-jeou Can Enjoy His Remaining Years; Ma Office: Respects Decision

Taipei, May 22 (CNA) The Ma Ying-jeou Foundation has been embroiled in a financial discipline case for some time. Former President Ma Ying-jeou's wife, Chou Mei-ching, issued a statement on the evening of May 21, stating that to ensure proper arrangements for Ma Ying-jeou's medical care, his sister Ma Yi-nan will be primarily responsible for external communications. The Ma Ying-jeou Foundation immediately responded, respecting the Ma family's decision, and stated that subsequent arrangements would be handled according to Ma Ying-jeou's wishes. The Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation recently established an investigation team to probe whether former aides Hsiao Hsu-tsen and Wang Kuang-tzu violated financial discipline. Ma Ying-jeou stated yesterday that the investigation team's spokesperson, Li Te-wei, went back on his promise to him. He will entrust the foundation's CEO, Dai Hsia-ling, the foundation's appointed lawyers and accountants, and former National Security Council Secretary-General King Pu-tsung, to hold a press conference as soon as possible to explain the full story and facts of the incident. Chou Mei-ching and Ma Yi-nan released a statement signed on May 12 yesterday evening. Chou Mei-ching pointed out that as Ma Ying-jeou's spouse, to ensure proper arrangements for Ma Ying-jeou's future medical needs and care, she and other Ma family relatives, including Ma Yi-nan, have reached a consensus to entrust Ma Yi-nan as the primary executor, and when necessary, she may represent the Ma family relatives to make appropriate external statements. Ma Yi-nan stated in the statement that Ma Ying-jeou has served the public for over 40 years, contributing to the nation and society. He has been known throughout his life for his integrity, self-discipline, and adherence to law. 'The family hopes that Ma Ying-jeou can truly retire, enjoy his remaining years, and that all foundation affairs will be handled by the board of directors.' In response to the Ma family's statement, Ma Ying-jeou Foundation CEO Dai Hsia-ling immediately responded, stating that they respect the Ma Ying-jeou family's decision and views. As for subsequent arrangements, the foundation will handle them according to Ma Ying-jeou's opinions and will provide further explanations to the public at an appropriate time.