TAIPEI: Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou has ordered an investigation into several military plane crashes since he took office.

"I'm sad to see the four or five military plane crashes involving all three branches of the armed forces since I assumed the office," Ma said at a commissioning ceremony for newly promoted officers.

Since Ma assumed the office on May 20 last year, five military plane crashes have been reported, leaving nine pilots dead and seven others injured.

In the latest incident, an air force twin-seat F-5F jet fighter crashed into the sea off the island of Penghu on Wednesday, killing both officers aboard.

Ma said the "Defense Ministry" should conduct an in-depth review to find out what caused the tragedies.

"We should get to the bottom of whether they were caused by mechanical failure or pilot error," Ma added.

Noting that pilots take a long time and a lot of money to train, Ma said the loss of every single pilot is a heart-rending tragedy not only for his family but also for Taiwan.

He said the military should maintain normal operations and make timely replacement of obsolete or worn out military equipment, but at the same time it should strengthen manpower training to reduce the number of accidents.

Meanwhile, touching on a drive to wipe out corruption in the military, Ma said the "ministry" should conduct an extensive review of efforts in this regard every three months.

Describing honor as being more important than life for military personnel, Ma said the anti-corruption campaign is partly aimed at clarifying speculation among the public.

China Daily/CNA

(HK Edition 07/17/2009 page2)