KMT trying to profit from tragedy
By Jhang Shih-hsien 張世賢
Disasters are common in Taiwan a result of structural factors grounded in history. When the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) took over the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) more than 70 years ago, it did not inherit the Japanese’s dedication, rigor and responsibility, but instead brought with it the ability to milk something for all it was worth while muddling along and forming cliques. The TRA quickly devolved into an organization characterized by inertia and an inability to modernize.
As the 21st century was getting started, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) made a huge effort at reform after it brought about a power transition.