Galaxy S3, iPhone 5 or HTC One? That’s a tough question for Taiwan’s cabinet ministers.
Senior Taiwanese officials have been under scrutiny for the smartphones they use – specifically whether they support Taiwan’s HTC, which has a big role the island’s high-tech economy.
Hu Yu-wei, the information minister and government spokesman, stirred up controversy on Sunday for posting on his Facebook page a picture of a black iPhone 5. Facing heavy criticism, he later explained that he did yet not possess the latest phone by Apple and was only considering purchasing one.
“Help the economy and bolster consumption,” Hu wrote under the picture showing the Apple handset’s black case with its telltale icon.
He was immediately blasted by the media and on the internet.
“Can you imagine the South Korean government spokesman speaking out for iPhone 5 on his Facebook page?” asked the mass circulation United Daily News. It noted that President Ma Ying-jeou is a big HTC fan and gives out HTC handsets as gifts for foreign dignitaries.
Facing heavy criticism, Hu later explained that he did not own the latest phone by Apple and was only considering purchasing one.