ran advertisements in some local dailies for two days earlier this month to emphasize the importance of the petrochemical industry to the country's economy and people's everyday lives. Without the petrochemical industry, the ads read, up to 420,000 people might lose their jobs and maintaining a steady supply of daily necessities could become a heavy burden. The ads immediately drew criticism from opposition lawmakers and civic groups who accused the MOEA of promoting the interests of petrochemical companies at taxpayers' expense. Acting on an appeal by environmentalists, the Control Yuan -- the government branch responsible for monitoring public servants' behavior -- has begun investigating the case to see whether the ads have violated any existing laws. The ministry argued that the ads were an integral part of its official duty to drive home the crucial role the petrochemical industry plays in Taiwan's economic development. But at a time when an environmental impact assessment on the controversial Kuokuang petrochemical complex is at a critical juncture, what the MOEA did was more of a political advertisement aimed at swaying public opinion, policy-making or future legislation rather than defending a public policy. In a mature democracy, the government should seek public support for its major policies through inter-party debates, public hearings, parliamentary interpellations or news conferences rather than by placing ads in the news media. Since President Ma Ying-jeou has promised to deepen and upgrade Taiwan's democracy, his administrative team should refrain from mounting political ads because such a move could be detrimental to Taiwan's democratic development. (Editorial abstract -- Sept. 19, 2010). 