Editor's note: Minister Lin was appointed Minister without portfolio Nov. 24 after this interview had taken place.

Minister of Communications Lin Chin-sheng is probably the most controversial of all cabinet members. In his five years in the post, he has implemented many important government construction projects, including the North-South Freeway, undersea cable installation, and electrification of the railway system. Despite these progressive measures, many of the minister's decisions have been strongly disputed.

Recently, Minister Lin talked with Sinorama's editor-in-chief, Kuan Li-chia on his five years in office, as well as his general philosophy of life. The following is a partial transcript of the interview:

Q. Minister Lin, you have not had a good press over the crash of the aircraft belonging to the Far Eastern Air Transport (FAT). But you rarely defend yourself in public.

A. The whole nation was grief- stricken over the event. Like everyone else, I hoped to see the aftermath of the affair settled as soon as possible. I think I did my best to help bereaved families locate the bodies and sort out the confusion. I also instructed my office to investigate the cause as quickly as possible. I think we did the best we could under the circumstances, and we have been particularly careful over safety measures since the accident. As the Chinese proverb goes, it is never too late to make amends, even after suffering a loss. We did not expect to be praised for our efforts, and I have no reply to critics.

Q. Why has it been so difficult to find the reasons for the crash?

A. I am just as anxious as everyone else to find out the reasons. We have made public every bit of evidence, including the contents of the "black box." We have asked the opinions of the world's top experts on the accident. There is no conclusive evidence to indicate whether it was a breakdown of equipment, metal fatigue, improper maintenance or some other fault. We are still investigating the cause at the moment.

Q. Do you still recommend travel by domestic airlines?

A. Definitely.

Q. What about traffic congestion?

A. This is a problem for most cities, and particularly in Taiwan, where economic growth has been so rapid over the past 20 years. Buying power has reached the point where almost every family in major cities can afford a car. Our road construction, however, has not kept pace with traffic expansion. Driving habits have improved over the past few years. I think traffic conditions will also improve gradually.

Q. Can you describe briefly the functions of the ministry?

A. The Ministry of Communications is in charge of railroads, telecommunications, navigation, aviation and postal services. It supervises both state-owned and private communications enterprises. The Tourism Bureau also comes under its authority.

Q. You have a reputation for frugality. Can you comment?

A. I am in the habit of turning off the lights and air conditioners whenever I leave a room. The sofas in my office may seem a little dilapidated. The Chinese have a saying: "Officials should not adorn their own offices." I guess I am not known as a natty dresser. This may be how I have acquired the reputation for thrift.

Q. Can you describe briefly your background?

A. I belong to a prosperous farming family. After graduating from Tokyo Imperial University, majoring in law, I returned to Taiwan and worked on the family property for a while. My public life started when I was appointed magistrate of the Tungshi area of Tainan prefecture after the recovery of Taiwan from the Japanese. I worked in a series of provincial government posts, including those of magistrate of Chiayi and Yunlin counties, before I was appointed Minister of Interior in 1972. I was appointed Minister of Communications in 1976.

Q. How do you spend your leisure time?

A. For exercise, I take long walks. I enjoy reading history books, and plan to write a book on the history of Sino-Japanese relations after I retire.

[Picture Caption]

Left: Minister Lin talks about his five years as Minister of Communications. Right: Minister Lin with Jordanian Minister of Public Constructions, A. Masri.

1. Minister Lin with his wife and four sons, all of whom have been successful in their various fields. 2. Minister Lin expresses gratitude to his wife for her help in taking care of their home, allowing him to concentrate on his work over the past 30 years. 3. Mrs. Lin's favorite orchard garden.

Lin Jin-sheng, strict with others and highly self-disciplined, has a plaque in his home on which reads "Business Before Pleasure", words of admonition left by his grandfather.

Minister Lin with Jordanian Minister of Public Constructions, A. Masri.

Minister Lin with his wife and four sons, all of whom have been successful in their various fields.

Minister Lin expresses gratitude to his wife for her help in taking care of their home, allowing him to concentrate on his work over the past 30 years.

Mrs. Lin's favorite orchard garden.

Lin Jin-sheng, strict with others and highly self-disciplined, has a plaque in his home on which reads "Business Before Pleasure", words of admonition left by his grandfather.