Wang denies backroom deal for deputy

Despite his strong desire to be re-elected as speaker of the Legislative Yuan, Wang Jin-pyng (王金平) yesterday dismissed reports that he had brokered a backroom deal with the president regarding the selection of his deputy in exchange for support for his bid.

The KMT vice chairman said that the subjects of the forthcoming elections for legislative speaker and his deputy were not discussed during his recent meeting with President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁).

"I do not have any personal preference regarding my second in command. Everything [concerning the issue] should be arranged by KMT Chairman Lien Chan (連戰). ? The matter should be settled through negotiations between parties," Wang said.

Chinese-language media reports said that during a meeting last Thursday, Chen had agreed to support Wang's bid for a second term as the head of the legislature under the condition that Wang agree to accept a DPP member for his deputy.

"I am an individual with principles. There is no way that I would get into any discussions about the matter at this moment," Wang said.

Wang stressed that his conversation with the president on Thursday centered around bills related to the Economic Development Advisory Conference and the central government's budget, which is under review in the legislature.

He also said that they did not discuss the "cross-party alliance for national stabilization."

Prior to the Dec. 1 elections, Chen pitched the idea of forming an alliance of 120 members of the 225-member lawmaking body to help the government push through its policies.

Since the elections, whether or not Wang will join the proposed alliance has received much attention from the DPP and the Taiwan Solidarity Union, who together will hold 100 seats in the new legislature. Many from both parties have said that Wang's participation in the alliance should be a pre-condition for their support of his re-election bid.

But up to now, Wang has not said whether he will participate in the alliance, insisting that he act in accordance to the KMT's wishes.

Nevertheless, it is widely believed Wang will retain his position at the helm of the legislature. The selection of his deputy, however, remains a subject of considerable speculation. Among those reportedly vying for the position are DPP lawmakers Hong Chi-chang (洪奇昌), Shen Fu-hsiung (沈富雄) and Ker Chien-ming (柯建銘).

One candidate for speaker, DPP lawmaker Trong Chai (蔡同榮) could still give Wang a run for his money.

Initially criticized as being too aggressive for immediately campaigning for the post right after the elections, Chai has recently pulled away from the spotlight. But reports say that his resolve continues and that he is soliciting support in a quieter manner.

Local media reports have said that Chai has tried tried to win the endorsement of Chen and former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) with the help of pro-independence activists overseas.

A close Chai aide claimed that Chai has already secured 112 votes from lawmakers from across the political spectrum.