President-elect Chen Shui-bian's (
The group was, however, tight-lipped about exactly what was discussed at the meeting and who would be named to the new executive.
Committee leader Lee Yuan-tseh (
Lee stressed to reporters after the meeting that the NPAC was an ad hoc committee and that there had been general talk about national issues, current problems and developments. The economy and cultural issues rated highly, he said.
"We have some consensus on some issues," Lee said, adding there would be more intensive meetings in two or three days to firm up policy and personnel decisions.
The committee announced just two decisions: Firstly, that the NPAC was a temporary structure; secondly, what criteria would be adopted for selecting the premier and other Cabinet members.
This conclusion was announced on behalf of the committee by Nita Ing (
"The NPAC's function is to assist a smooth transition of power and to suggest a suitable Cabinet. It is defined as a non-standing and non-framed organization," Ing said.
She also outlined some basic requirements for the new government executives.
"The candidates [for Cabinet posts] must practice the idea of `government for all people, as well as clean and upright governance (
"We will look at all candidates regardless of their political affiliation. The new government team has to maintain a stable regime," Ing said.
"We won't exclude any candidate who meets these criteria; above all, of course, Lee [Yuan-tseh] is included."
Lee said President-elect Chen, who attended part of the meeting, had talked with its members about national development.
"I am happy we had such a deep discussion," Lee said.
After Chen left the meeting no further headway was made on the make-up of the Cabinet, and Lee would not give away any more clues on whether he would take the post of premier. Both Chen and his advisors, however, are believed to be still trying to persuade him to take on the role.
Stan Shih (
"Although most committee members want Lee, it hasn't [yet] worked out that way. It depends on the person himself [Lee] and whether or not he nods his head in assent," said Academia Sinica sociologist Michael Hsiao (
After the closed-door meeting yesterday, no further questions were taken from the press.
There were 14 members and Chen who attended this first NPAC meeting yesterday.
Other members included: Lee, Ing, Shih, Hisao, former National Security Advisor Chen Pi-chao (
Tseng Chih-lang (
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