Anger eases in Taiwan, for now, after premier replaced.

Byline: Reuters

TAIPEI: Public anger over the Taiwan president s handling of a deadly typhoon last month is expected to subside with the appointment of a China-savvy new premier known for decisive leadership.

Taiwan s financial markets largely ignored President Ma Ying-jeou s decision to replace Premier Liu Chao-shiuan with ruling party official Wu Den-yih. Taiwan stocks rose to their highest in a year and the Taiwan dollar strengthened amid better-than-expected trade figures.

"Investors anticipated a reshuffle, they wanted a reshuffle, because they were expecting someone more capable to lead the country," said Alex Huang, a research director at Mega International Securities Co.

Analysts said public anger at what many saw as a poor response to Typhoon Morakot, the island s worst storm in 50 years, would likely ease. Morakot killed up to 763 people as it drenched the island from Aug. 7-9 and set off massive mudslides.

Taiwan s 42-member cabinet has also offered to resign, but not all members are likely to be replaced and no changes to the government s foreign, China or economic policies are expected.

"Wu will show a new face to the public," said George Tsai, a political scientist at the Chinese Cultural University in Taipei. "He s more stern, more aggressive and he d be more responsive to people s demands."

Taiwan leaders typically replace top officials in response to criticism of the government. Ma s predecessor, Chen Shui-bian, changed premiers six times in eight years, seldom causing alarm.

Ma s response to the storm has badly dented his popularity ahead of local elections in December.

"Although anger has died down considerably, confidence has not been restored," said Joseph Cheng, a political science professor at City University of Hong Kong.

Muscat Press and Publishing House SAOC 2009

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