KMT gadfly accepts TSU's nomination

A rank-and-file Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) member renowned for calling KMT Chairman Lien Chan (連戰) a "lazy worm" accepted the Taiwan Solidarity Union's (TSU) nomination yesterday to run in the year-end legislative polls.

Chiu Teh-hung (邱德宏), chief of staff for the vice speaker of the Miaoli County Council and an outspoken member of a group of young KMT members that calls itself the Blue Eagle Warriors, will run as a TSU candidate in Miaoli County.

Dissatisfied with the KMT's slow pace of reform in the wake of the March 20 presidential election, Chiu, who registered to become a KMT member in June of last year, has been forthright in criticizing the party's leadership. His outspokenness gained him media exposure, especially after criticizing Lien to his face.

Chiu paid a visit to former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) last Monday, along with TSU Chairman Huang Chu-wen (黃主文) and TSU Secretary-General (林志嘉). Lee is considered the "spiritual head" of the TSU.

After the meeting, Chiu lauded Lee for being a "roc,"and said that in comparison, Lien "is less than a sparrow." Last Wednesday Chiu applied to become a TSU member.

At a press conference yesterday, Huang commended Chiu as "an excellent youngster who is a reformer ? enough to represent the younger generation's support in recognizing Taiwan's identity."

Expressing his gratitude for Lee's teaching and for the TSU's acceptance and favor, Chiu said yesterday that he will do his best for the TSU.

"Although I now leave the KMT, I wish it the best and hope that it would become a party that's dependable for its members ? and treat its young members who call for party reforms well," he said.

A KMT official said Chiu will face party discipline.

Chen Kang-chin (陳庚金), head of the party's Evaluation and Discipline Committee said the committee will forward Chiu's case to the Central Standing Committee as early as tomorrow.

Expulsion is almost a definite given the severity of Chiu's violation of party protocol, Chen said.

Chiu's deflection was also slammed by a group of young KMT members that calls itself the "567 Alliance." Chang Zu-kang (張斯綱) criticized Chiu as a "politico" and lambasted him for promoting his own reputation in the guise of calling for party reform.

"Chiu is like a worm that changes its color," Chang said.

Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九), who recommended Chiu become a KMT member two years ago, said yesterday that he was disappointed with Chiu's decision to join the TSU.

"It is not a good model for a young person to win public attention by overtly criticizing his superiors," Ma said when asked about Chiu's switch.

Ma said Chiu will be disciplined "appropriately" according to the KMT's rules.

Additional reporting by Jewel Huang