Divorce dents Chang Chun-hsiung's political career

Fair or not, former premier Chang Chun-hsiung's (張俊雄) recent divorce has cast a shadow over his political career.

The Presidential Office, earlier intent on naming Chang to the helm of the Examination Yuan, has become quiet after critics faulted Chang for failing to uphold traditional family values.

Chang, 64, now a senior adviser to the president, issued a brief statement last Sunday saying that he had divorced his first wife Hsu Jui-ying (徐瑞英) in March and married his girlfriend Chu Ah-ying (朱阿英) on April 4.

Many have expressed sympathy for Hsu and suspected she was forced to part with her ex-husband as she had put up with his extramarital affair for more than three decades.

Though wary of linking Chang's private life to his professional competence, opposition lawmakers have vowed to block his appointment, which must be confirmed by the legislature.

KMT lawmaker Huang Chao-shun (黃昭順) said she would cast her vote against Chang if President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) insists on giving him the job.

Feelings of indignation

"I have received many phone calls and letters lauding me for speaking out against Chang's nomination. The feeling of indignation is even stronger in Kaohsiung City where his ex-wife lives," said Huang, also a native of the southern municipality.

The Presidential Office is expected to unveil its nominees for the Examination Yuan president, vice president and 19 members next month or in June, as the legislature will recess for the summer.

Huang noted that, as premier, Chang failed to convene a women's rights panel under his supervision for fear that his triangular romance might be brought up to embarrass him.

"That is why I don't consider it unfair to take his character into account," Huang said. "A man incapable of keeping his family whole cannot effectively steer the Examination Yuan."

The organ is responsible for recruiting and evaluating all civil servants.

To calm the outcry, the former premier made an apology to his first wife and family Wednesday, but said he had braced himself for any potential fallout.

"I think it is time to put an end to the marred marriage," Chang told reporters. "I will bear the finger-pointing but am determined to protect my loved ones."

In 1994 when Chang ran for Kaohsiung mayor, Chu once stood on her knees branding herself a sinner at a campaign rally to beg forgiveness from potential voters.

Still, chances are Chang will be awarded the nomination if he can emerge from the uproar unscathed. As an absolute majority is needed to confirm all appointees, a partisan showdown is inevitable, with a dozen uncommitted lawmakers again to play the decisive role.

`Moral flaws'

The main opposition KMT has made clear it would not back a candidate with "moral flaws" and indicated it prefers to have sitting Examination Yuan President Hsu Shui-teh (許水德) remain at the helm. Hsu, a KMT heavyweight, has declined to comment on the matter to avoid encroaching on presidential power.

"By jilting his first wife and marrying a mistress, Chang has set a bad example for society," said KMT Secretary-General Lin Fong-cheng (林豐正).

Similarly, the PFP has threatened to vote down Chang for what it calls political reasons.

The party blames the ex-premier for halting construction of the Fourth Nuclear Power Plant for three months and shifting funds for cleaning up radioactive waste to other state-run entities.