TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The head of the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation (馬英九基金會) criticized a Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) legislator on Monday (Oct. 7) for claiming that former President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) only traveled abroad years after leaving office, and emphasized Ma's extensive international engagement, visiting nearly ten countries to aid the Republic of China's diplomacy.
DPP legislator Wu Si-yao (吳思瑤) stated that former President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) plans to visit Europe on Oct. 12, comparing her diplomatic achievements favorably against Ma's. Wu asserted that Ma's international invitations came years after his presidency, while Tsai's accomplishments have garnered international acclaim.
The foundation's director, Hsiao Hsu-tsen (蕭旭岑), refuted Wu's claims, suggesting she struggles with constitutional knowledge and basic online research. He highlighted Ma's post-presidency travels, noting he received invitations to speak in Malaysia and the U.S. within six months of leaving office.
Hsiao underscored that over the past eight years, Ma has embarked on 16 trips to Europe, the U.S., and Asia, including mainland China. Hsiao further accused the DPP government of obstructing Ma's international activities by extending travel restrictions and using the legislative majority to limit his personal freedoms. He claimed Ma still needs to report his travels to the Presidential Office.
