The new head of the Government Information Office, Philip Yang, took the baton from his predecessor Johnny Chiang yesterday, less than two weeks after Chiang resigned in order to prepare for the legislative race. Yang, a political professor at the National Taiwan University, said that he hopes to see more "positive news" in the media, while vowing to do his best to promote the feel good factor for the public.

The handover ceremony of the GIO ministers is scheduled to take place on Monday. After that, Philip Yang would officially assume the post as the government's spokesperson.

Since important elections are coming in the next half of the year, Yang says he would focus attention on government promotion and help people feel a sense of happiness.

The Executive Yuan awarded the Medal of Distinguished Service to outgoing GIO minister Chiang.

But perhaps he was too nervous, he dropped the medal on the ground twice.

Chiang dealt with the awkward moment with a sense of humor.

Commenting on his ambitions to run the legislative election in Taichung, he hopes he could voice for the people this time around.

Responding to the elections next year, the Ma administration is again reshuffling the cabinet, where Johnny Chiang is to join the legislative election in Taichung.

Philip Yang, who was senior advisor to the National Security Council and is familiar with international politic, is hoped to show his tremendous talent to influence people to vote for the ruling party.