Taipei, Nov. 22 (CNA) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) faced stern criticism from the Control Yuan on Friday for its inadequate handling of an investigation related to the tragic death of Taiwanese diplomat Felix Wang in Brazil last year.
According to the government watchdog, MOFA failed to thoroughly review the systemic issues that contributed to this incident or hold Feng Kwang-chung (馮光中), the head of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in São Paulo, accountable for his role following the apparent suicide of Wang, who served as the section chief at the Sao Paulo TECO.
Nov. 16: The impeachment of Feng was announced earlier this month due to suspected procurement violations and neglect of administrative duties, a situation that came to light in the wake of Wang’s death. This unfortunate event has raised serious concerns about the clarity of accounting practices and a troubling cash shortfall at the office.
The Control Yuan emphasized that MOFA’s investigation into Wang’s death inadequately addressed several crucial systemic problems, including its determination that allegations of workplace bullying by Feng were deemed “unsubstantiated,” a claim that has sparked further scrutiny and skepticism from various quarters.
Moreover, serious leadership issues within the Sao Paulo office have come to light. Notably, of the four staff members assigned there, one tragically took their own life, while two others expressed a desire to be reassigned back to Taiwan, indicating a deeper problem within the workplace environment.
Furthermore, it was noted that MOFA has repeatedly failed to implement essential workplace bullying prevention guidelines, which had been recommended by the Directorate-General of Personnel Administration prior to a deadline of July 2024. This oversight reflects poorly on the ministry’s commitment to safeguarding its employees.
The Control Yuan concluded that the ministry also neglected to establish a standard operating procedure for addressing workplace bullying incidents and failed to put in place appropriate inspection mechanisms to ensure a safe working environment.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please call the 1925, 1995, or 1980 hotlines in Taiwan for counseling or assistance.
(By Kuo Chien-shen and Lee Hsin-Yin)
Enditem/ASG
What implications does the Control Yuan’s scrutiny of MOFA have for future diplomatic practices in Taiwan?
**Interview with Dr. Li Cheng-Tsung, Political Analyst at National Taiwan University**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Li. Recent reports indicate that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has come under intense scrutiny from the Control Yuan regarding its investigation into the death of diplomat Felix Wang. Can you give us a brief overview of the situation?
**Dr. Li:** Absolutely. Felix Wang, a Taiwanese diplomat serving in São Paulo, tragically died last year in what appears to be a suicide. The Control Yuan has criticized MOFA for its inadequate investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. They argue that there was a failure to address systemic issues that may have contributed to this tragedy, particularly highlighting the lack of accountability for Feng Kwang-chung, the head of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in São Paulo.
**Interviewer:** Why is the scrutiny from the Control Yuan significant in this context?
**Dr. Li:** The Control Yuan is Taiwan’s government watchdog body, responsible for monitoring the actions of government agencies. Their criticism signifies a broader concern about transparency and accountability within MOFA. It suggests that there are deeper issues within the foreign service that need addressing, especially regarding the support and mental health of diplomats stationed abroad.
**Interviewer:** What are some of the specific criticisms leveled against MOFA and Feng Kwang-chung?
**Dr. Li:** The Control Yuan report points out that MOFA did not conduct a thorough examination of how its practices might have failed Wang. Additionally, they assert that Feng Kwang-chung should be held accountable for his leadership and for creating an environment that may not have adequately supported Wang during his tenure. The recent announcement regarding Feng’s impeachment underscores the seriousness of these accusations.
**Interviewer:** How might this incident affect the diplomatic community in Taiwan going forward?
**Dr. Li:** This situation could lead to significant changes within MOFA, particularly in how they handle the mental health and welfare of their employees abroad. There may be calls for policy reforms to ensure that diplomats receive the necessary support and resources, which could result in enhanced mental health programs and training for leadership positions.
**Interviewer:** In light of all this, what steps do you think MOFA should take to regain public trust?
**Dr. Li:** Transparency will be key. MOFA needs to openly communicate the findings of their investigations and the steps they plan to take in response. Implementing regular assessments of workplace conditions and providing mental health resources for diplomats could also help rebuild trust. Additionally, engaging in open dialog with families affected by such tragedies could play a crucial role in restoring faith in their oversight capabilities.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Li, for your insights on this sensitive and important issue.
**Dr. Li:** Thank you for having me. It’s vital that we continue to discuss these issues to ensure the well-being of those serving our country abroad.
