Yu mulls options in funding battle

Chang Chao-hsiung (張昭雄), PFP vice chairman, said that while the amendments were not without flaws, the government should have tackled problems with national tax redistribution when it took office in May 2000 instead of waiting until now.

Lin Yi-shih (林益世), KMT legislative secretary, warned the Cabinet not to act rashly. "We all want to enjoy a nice Chinese New Year holiday, don't we?" he said.

If the Cabinet chooses to ask that the amendments be overturned, the legislature will have to meet during the four-day holiday period that begins on Monday.

Lin also refused to discuss the matter with the Cabinet secretary-general, saying the issue should be handled by the Ministry of Finance.

The KMT official also asked that Lee tell him outright whether President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) has decided to ask for the amendments to be overturned.

Ma, who is on an overseas trip, said he hoped to see a revision to the amendments rather than their nullification.

"I think it makes more sense to propose a revision instead of overturning the changes, provided the revision is a good one," he said.

Ma said he would cut short his five-day trip should the Cabinet decide to request the changes be overturned.