Chang comes to rescue, again

Chang Chun-hsiung (張俊雄), who was made the nation's premier yesterday, stepped onto center stage for the second time in almost as many months to rescue the new government in crisis.

A senior DPP member, Chang will become President Chen Shui-bian's (陳水扁) right-hand man, taking the place of Tang Fei (唐飛), who resigned the post on Tuesday night.

"As the first DPP premier, Chang was chosen by President Chen for his stable and mellow character," Presidential Office sources said yesterday.

Chang topped President Chen's list of potential nominees for the premiership, according to sources, when outgoing premier Tang Fei offered his resignation on Sept. 27.

Chang took over the position of vice premier following the Pachang Creek Incident (八掌溪事件) on July 24. Chang was then secretary-general to the president and was promoted to vice premier in a bid to improve communication between the Presidential Office, DPP headquarters and the Cabinet.

Chang eventually took over responsibility for arranging the transfer of political power to Chen's new administration.

Despite the overwhelming work load, Chang has maintained an upbeat demeanor.

With 17 years of experience as a legislator, Chang is well prepared to deal with the responsibilities that have suddenly been thrust on his shoulders.

The 62-year-old legislative veteran has been a leader of the DPP legislative caucus and was a candidate for legislative speaker against current speaker, Wang Jin-pyng (王金平).

His many years in official positions give him adequate experience to negotiate with his legislative colleagues and executive officials.

Chang has played an important role in DPP policy-making. He was part of the so-called "18-member Working Group (十八人小組)" that founded the DPP, and is now leader of the DPP's Welfare State faction.

Chang is also a fitting partner for Chen, as both men's early experiences are remarkably similar. Chang graduated first in his class at the Law Department of National Taiwan University and then passed the national Bar examination with the highest score. The president did the same about 10 years later.

The 1979 Kaohsiung Incident (美麗島事件), much like Chen, changed Chang's life forever. They worked together as defense lawyers in the wake of the watershed event, which ultimately proved pivotal in both their subsequent decisions to enter political life.

Chang's calm approach, however, is in contrast to Chen's quick temper.

"Though his performance in the past decades was not as brilliant as other DPP political stars, such as DPP Chairman Frank Hsieh (謝長廷) or Taipei County Commissioner Su Chen-chang (蘇貞昌), Chang has earned a reputation for his experience in government affairs, a low-profile attitude and strong negotiation skills," said DPP Legislator and New Tide faction leader Hung Chi-chang (洪奇昌). "And now his job is to be the executor for President Chen to carry out all policies, which the president promised voters he would do in the next three-and-a-?half years," Hung said.