Who is Ma Ying-jeou? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Age: 74 Years, 74 Year Old Males

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Christine Chow Ma

father: Ma Ho-ling

children: Ma Wei-chung, Ma Yuan-chung

Presidents Political Leaders

political ideology: Political party - Kuomintang

More Facts

education: 1981 - Harvard Law School, 1972 - National Taiwan University, 1976 - New York University School of Law

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1

What is Ma Ying-jeou known for?

Ma Ying-jeou is a Taiwanese politician who served as the President of Taiwan from 2008 to 2016. He is known for his efforts to improve relations with mainland China during his presidency.
2

What political party is Ma Ying-jeou affiliated with?

Ma Ying-jeou is a member of the Kuomintang (KMT) party, which is one of the major political parties in Taiwan.
3

What are some key policies implemented by Ma Ying-jeou during his presidency?

Some key policies implemented by Ma Ying-jeou during his presidency include the signing of the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) with China, promoting closer economic ties with mainland China, and pursuing peaceful cross-strait relations.
4

How did Ma Ying-jeou's presidency impact Taiwan's economy?

During Ma Ying-jeou's presidency, Taiwan's economy saw improvements in trade relations with China, increased foreign investment, and a boost in tourism. However, there were also concerns about growing economic dependence on China.
5

What controversies surrounded Ma Ying-jeou during his presidency?

Some controversies surrounding Ma Ying-jeou during his presidency included allegations of corruption, criticism of his handling of cross-strait relations, and protests over economic policies.

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Early Career

On returning to Taiwan in 1981, Ma began to teach law at National Taiwan University. At the same time, he became the Deputy Secretary-General of the KMT's Central Committee.

Very soon, Ma was appointed as Deputy Director of the First Bureau of the Presidential Office under President Chiang Ching-kuo. In this capacity, he served as the President’s Secretary and also his English interpreter.

At that time, martial law was in force in Taiwan. In 1986, Ma was given the task of exploring the possibility of lifting the law and reforming the country’s parliamentary system. He was also asked to find out if it was possible to allow the Taiwanese citizens to visit their mainland relatives.

In July 1988, Ma became the Minister of Research, Development and Evaluation and served till June 1991. At the same time, he was given responsibility to form Mainland Affairs Task Force. Later he became its executive secretary. When the Mainland Affairs Council was formed in 1991, he became its Vice Chairperson.

In 1993, Ma was appointed the Minister of Justice. He immediately started a crusade against organized crime, corruption and drugs. In addition, he also reformed prison conditions and started investigations on complaints of vote buying. He served in this capacity till 1996.

In 1996, Ma was appointed minister without portfolio. He resigned from the post in May 1997 and joined the College of Law, National Chengchi University as a professor of law. However, he did not give up his political aspirations.

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Mayor of Taipei

In 1998, Ma Ying-jeou decided to take part in the mayoral election of Taipei. Since incumbent mayor Chen Shui-bian had high public approval rating it was a hotly contested election. In the end, Ma, whose campaign was based on novel ideas and fresh outlook, secured 51.13% votes and won the race.

Ma also won the mayoral election of 2002 and retained his position for a second term. Thus he was the Mayor of Taipei from 1998 to 2006 and within these eight years he transformed Taipei into a world class cosmopolitan city.

In 2005, Ma Ying-jeou stood for the post of the chairman of KMT. In the campaign, he gave a call for social as well as organizational reform within the party. His fresh views attracted the younger generation. Ultimately he won the election with a thumping majority and became Chairman of KMT.

In late 2006, it was alleged that as the Mayor of Taipei, Ma has diverted a large amount of government fund under his discretionary power into his private account. He was formally indicated with the charge in May 2007. Ma responded by tendering his resignation both from the chairmanship of KMT Party and as Mayor of Taipei.

At the same time, he announced that he would stand for presidential election to be held in 2008. Ultimately, he was declared innocent by the highest court of the country. Opinion polls also showed that 70% of the citizens believed in his innocence.

President

During the presidential campaign, Ma Ying-jeou visited thousands of villages and towns often on bikes. During such trips, he stayed with the ordinary citizens, listening to their views. Such intimate and positive campaign yielded the desired results.

On March 22, 2008, he won the Presidential election with 58% votes and formally became the 12th President of Taiwan on May 22. In his inaugural speech, Ma promised to institute a clean government and also to ease regulations so that the economy of the country can bloom.

During his first term as the President of Taiwan, Ma had to face many challenges, many of which originated outside the country’s border. In spite of that, he worked steadily towards his goal of improving the economic scenario of the country and by 2010, the country experienced a 10% economic growth.

Relation with mainland China also improved during this period; the two countries were now connected by air and sea. Mail service between the two was also established. However, his prime goal was to see that sovereignty of his country remains unimpaired.

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Within a year of winning the presidential election, Ma Ying-jeou ran for the Chairmanship of the KMT Party once more. He won the election held on June 25, 2009 and was inaugurated on September 12 of the same year.

In 2012, Ma stood for the post of the President for a second term and won by garnering 51.6 % votes. His campaign was based on his administrative record. He also promised to put an end corruption and improve ties with Mainland China.

Ma was inaugurated as the 13th President of Taiwan on May 20, 2012. In his inaugural speech, Ma stressed that to prosper the country must undergo total reform. About the country’s relation with mainland China, he said that the constitution was supreme and steps would be taken in accordance with its directives.

Personal Life & Legacy

Ma Ying-jeou married Chow Mei-ching, in 1977, in New York. On coming back to Taiwan she started working in Mega International Commercial Bank. To avoid conflict of interest she left the job when Ma became President. The couple has two daughters; Lesley (Ma Wei-chung) and Kelly (Ma Yuan-chung).

Facts About Ma Ying-jeou

Ma Ying-jeou is known for his love of running and has participated in numerous marathons, showcasing his dedication to staying fit and healthy.

He is an accomplished violinist and has been seen playing the instrument at various public events, demonstrating his passion for music.

Ma Ying-jeou is a cat lover and has been photographed with his pet cats on several occasions, showing his softer side beyond his political persona.

He is a skilled calligrapher and has showcased his talent by creating beautiful pieces of artwork using traditional Chinese brush strokes.

Ma Ying-jeou is fluent in multiple languages, including English and Japanese, highlighting his commitment to communication and understanding different cultures.

Ma Ying-jeou Biography

You wanted to know

What is Ma Ying-jeou known for?

What political party is Ma Ying-jeou affiliated with?

What are some key policies implemented by Ma Ying-jeou during his presidency?

How did Ma Ying-jeou's presidency impact Taiwan's economy?

What controversies surrounded Ma Ying-jeou during his presidency?