KMT failure may mean the end of Lien

Armed with popular support, star lawmakers such as Apollo Chen (陳學聖) and Chu Li-luan (朱立倫) show no qualms about defying the party. And those still loyal to Lee are expected to revolt and push for Lien's downfall, if the party fails to achieve a satisfactory showing in the year-end elections.

"Surely Mr Lien would have to take the blame if that indeed took place," said KMT lawmaker Chen Horng-chi (陳鴻基), widely considered to be a pro-Lee member.

It appears the KMT is pinning its hopes on putting up a united front with the PFP and New Party in the fight against the DPP.

John Chang (章孝嚴), a former KMT secretary-general, cast the widely discussed cross-party venture as a "mission impossible."

"It is unrealistic to expect the parties to set aside their own interests and integrate in four months time," Chang said. "The 2004 presidential election may be a better stage for the endeavor."