First Lady in `hot water'

First Lady Wu Shu-chen (吳淑珍) didn't have much time to celebrate her new new title yesterday before being criticized for allegedly interfering in national affairs.

Tainan Deputy County Commissioner Lin Wen-ting (林文定) accused Wu of playing a crucial role in the last-minute refusal of his boss to take the Cabinet-level position of National Science Council (NSC, 國科會) chairman.

Tainan County Commissioner Chen Tang-shan (陳唐山) had been pegged for the position, but he agreed to take it only if he could choose the successor for his county post, which would have been Lin.

But the deputy commissioner said Wu tried to influence the process because she favored another person for the county post.

Both President Chen Shui-bian's (陳水扁) camp and Wu claimed such charges were groundless.

The festive ambiance of the inaugural events was nearly spoiled by the unexpected change in the Cabinet lineup Friday.

Chen Tang-shan's refusal caught the new government by surprise, forcing a hasty search for a replacement. As it turned out, National Cheng Kung University President Weng Cheng-i (翁政義) assumed the position without much time to ponder his decision.

The scenario was reportedly attributed to the disparate opinions on the replacement for the Tainan county commissioner, with Wu allegedly insisting that DPP lawmaker Su Huan-chih (蘇煥智) take the position.

"Why is it that [the pick of an acting county magistrate] has anything to do with me? ... How could I intervene in such a matter?" Wu said. "How could I have any say about it, when Lin I-hsiung (林義雄, DPP chairman) and A-bian are in charge?"

In the process of forming the Cabinet, President Chen invited three current county chiefs to join the new government, while leaving the problem of succession to those stepping up.

Current regulations state that the final decision is in the hands of the interior ministry.

While Chen Tang-shan had insisted on Lin, the DPP was also considering others, such as Su.

Poor coordination over the issue led to confusion, yet after a May 17 meeting of DPP factions, a consensus was reached that Chen would step in.

However, a day later, after a meeting with President Chen, Su emerged as the favored candidate.

Wu acknowledged she had became acquainted with Su when he worked at Chen's law firm from 1983 to 1984, but she insisted this association did not mean she had exerted any influence on the selection of the acting commissioner.

"Why am I embroiled in such hot water? It is not worthwhile for me to comment on such nonsense," she said.

Vice Minister of the Interior-designate Lee Yi-yang (李逸洋) also denounced the allegations.

"Wu has never meddled in Chen's administration, no matter what Chen's position is," Lee said.

"The first lady is renowned for standing aloof from politics, not to mention not sticking her foot into personnel arrangements." Lee said the rumors were spread with malicious intent.

In response to the controversy, Su said on Friday that he simply abided by the president's choice. "Both President Chen and Chairman Lin approached me during the process when they were determining the candidate, but Wu has never been in touch with me," Su said.

"Lin's charge is absurd, and such an allegation has tarnished the name of the DPP and the first lady," he added.