Ma Ying-jeou Expresses Shock and Regret Over Wife's Unauthorized Statement

Central News Agency, Taipei, May 22. As the financial discipline case involving the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation continues to unfold, former President Ma Ying-jeou's wife, Chou Mei-ching, issued a statement on the 21st, stating that to ensure proper medical care for Ma, his sister, Ma Yi-nan, would be the primary executor for external communications. Ma Ying-jeou stated today that he was shocked and regretful because the statement was issued without his prior review or consent. Ma stated solemnly that he absolutely cannot allow Ma Yi-nan to arrange or execute his medical or personal affairs, nor can she speak on behalf of the Ma family, and he completely disagrees with her proposal to hand over all foundation matters to the current board members. Ma reiterated that the foundation should urgently recruit four new directors—Liao Chi-pin, Tai Hsia-ling, Chiu Shu-ti, and Lai Shin-yuan—to increase the board's diversity and credibility, and work with director Kao Hua-chu to thoroughly reorganize the foundation's affairs. Furthermore, Ma addressed rumors of dementia, calling them ridiculous. He stated that at 76, he still reads and exercises daily. Regarding the alleged embezzlement and breach of trust by former aides Hsiao Hsu-tsen and Wang Kuang-tzu, Ma expressed deep pain and betrayal, stating that he is determined to investigate the truth and hold them accountable.