Debate festers over speaker's position

The debate over who should lead the newly elected legislature continued yesterday, with some DPP lawmakers saying they'll back incumbent speaker Wang Jin-pyng (王金平) of the KMT if he joins a proposed "cross-party alliance for national stabilization."

The alliance, a 120-member group of lawmakers which would support the government's policy initiatives, was proposed by President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) during the run-up to Saturday's polls.

But Wang yesterday said whether he joins will be up to the KMT.

"I will follow the KMT on whether or not to participate in the alliance for national stabilization. I have no personal preference about the matter," Wang said.

Since Saturday's legislative elections, the nine-term lawmaker has been walking a tightrope between demonstrating loyalty for his embattled party and seeking cross-party support for his bid to retain the speaker's post.

Tsai Huang-liang (蔡煌瑯), DPP legislative whip, said yesterday he would consider backing Wang if the KMT lawmaker agrees to take part in Chen's proposed group.

"Why should the DPP caucus support someone who refuses to join an organization whose goal is national stability?" Tsai said.

"If Wang is willing to join the stabilization alliance, perhaps we will endorse his bid to retain the speakership," he said.

Tsai had previously said the speakership should go to a DPP member because the KMT is untrustworthy. He said yesterday that his remarks were his own opinion and not that of the DPP legislative caucus.

Through the debate, Wang has tried to remain low-key, saying he will do "whatever is necessary for him to do and leave the rest to destiny."

He also said yesterday that no one has told him that membership in Chen's proposed alliance is a requirement for the DPP's support.

"I have not received any message warning me that I can't be a speaker if I refuse to join the stabilization alliance," Wang said, adding that neither Chen nor his aides have broached the subject with him.

DPP lawmaker Hung Chi-chang (洪其昌), who has expressed interest in running for the post of vice speaker, said it made more sense for Wang to be re-elected.

"In a bid to ensure stability in the legislature and to respect other senior legislators, it seems more reasonable that Wang be re-elected as legislative speaker," Hung said.

DPP Secretary-General Wu Nai-jen (吳乃仁) agreed, calling on party members to put personal ambitions aside.

"The most immediate task is to implement party and legislative reforms and not engage in internal squabbling," Wu said.

Two separate groups of DPP legislators paid Wang a visit yesterday morning to show their support for him.

Senior DPP legislator Shen Fu-hsiung (沈富雄) said that membership in the stabilization alliance wouldn't be a condition for Wang to remain speaker.

Shen said the president's endorsement was the single most important factor in the election of the next legislative speaker.

"No matter how hard one tries to win the speakership, he may not succeed without President Chen's blessing," Shen said, alluding to the bid of his DPP colleague, Trong Tsai (蔡同榮).

Wang is seen by many as the best choice for speaker in the next legislature because of his good relations with Chen and his close ties with former president Lee Tung-hui (李登輝). There have been reports that Chen and Lee have discussed Wang's candidacy, with Lee backing the speaker.