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Defense ministry ends chauffeur services for retired generals

ROC Central News Agency

2009/07/24 19:38:43
Taipei, July 24 (CNA) The Ministry of National Defense (MND) has stopped assigning chauffeured vehicles to serve retired generals on a regular basis, military spokesman Yu Sy-tue said Friday, in response to complaints from the top government watchdog.

Since June 30, the MND has recalled all the vehicles and chauffeurs that were previously assigned to serve the generals, Yu said.

The generals are no longer on active duty but serve as advisers to Taiwan's President Ma Ying-jeou and are reserve generals who can be called upon to serve in emergencies, including in times of war.

According to the Control Yuan's investigation, two defense ministry vehicles were assigned on a long-term basis to serve five such generals. Their family members also used the cars, the investigation had found.

This violated a rule under which cars for official duties are forbidden from being used for transporting individuals other than officials holding top administrative positions, according to the Control Yuan.

Yu said Friday that the MND has already corrected the mistake.

From July 1, the vehicles have been assigned on a mobile basis for purposes related to defense ministry work, military-related activities or medical care, Yu said.

(By Y.F. Low) ENDITEM/cs