Scheme to `honor' Lee splits KMT

The KMT faces an internal struggle after a proposal was raised by the party rank and file urging the KMT leadership to mend fences with former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝).

Many in the party have interpreted the move as a policy to "honor Lee."

Playing down the sensitive issue yesterday, KMT Chairman Lien Chan (連戰) stated that the party does not plan to attack or honor anyone.

"The KMT has taken a very clear position. ... We don't have a problem over who should be attacked or honored," Lien said.

Lien added that the KMT has always followed a centrist course and is against any practice that incites ethnic confrontation or worsens the unification-independence struggle.

Fundamental issues

The KMT believes recent political strife should be reduced to its fundamental elements and viewed from the perspective of law and order, Lien said.

He was referring to the disclosure of the National Security Bureau's secret funds, which has developed into a struggle between the TSU and the PFP over Lee's reputation.

Compared with the two parties, the KMT has appeared low-key in discussing the issue.

The proposal to mend fences with Lee was raised by KMT Vice Chairman and Legislative Yuan speaker Wang Jin-pyng (王金平) during a meeting with Lien on Wednesday.

Elaborating on his proposal yesterday, Wang said it is reasonable that the KMT show some respect for its former chairman, who had led the party for 12 years.

It is unnecessary for the KMT to get involved in the fight between the TSU and PFP, Wang said.

Such a gesture would help smooth the party's campaign in the year-end elections for Taipei and Kaohsiung mayors as Lee is still an influential figure in the local political scene, Wang suggested.

While a lack of party discipline has long been a problem for the KMT, Wang's proposal triggered a mixed reaction within the party.

Forced move

KMT lawmaker Hung Hsiu-chu (洪秀柱) said the party never intended to disrespect Lee, but Lee's attack against the KMT was what forced it to react.

Though agreeing that the KMT needn't attack Lee in the same fashion as the PFP, Hung said it is unnecessary for the party to take any deliberate move to honor the former president.

The KMT should maintain a normal relationship with Lee, Hung added.

However, Shyu Jong-shyong (徐中雄), a pro-localization KMT lawmaker, said he supports the idea of "honoring Lee," because the greatest asset enjoyed by the KMT is its tolerance on ethnic issues.

To win the support of moderate voters, the KMT should avoid attacking Lee, Shyu said.

The TSU dismissed calls by KMT members to honor Lee as simply a tactic to win the year-end elections.

Lo Chih-ming (羅志明), deputy convener of the TSU legislative caucus, said the move is designed to create a false impression that Lee is supportive of the pro-localization politicians in the KMT.