PFP rejects merger with KMT

KMT legislator John Chang (章孝嚴) yesterday unveiled his plan for a KMT-PFP merger, setting the stage for a possible united ticket in the 2004 presidential election.

The PFP, however, immediately rejected Chang's proposal, saying it was unnecessary for the parties to merge now that they maintain such a "smooth and cooperative relationship."

Chang, a former KMT secretary-general, proposed that the two parties finalize the details of their plans for cooperation in the year-end Taipei and Kaohsiung mayoral polls and begin to work on the merger immediately after the mayoral elections.

Chang is expected to officially raise the proposal at a routine meeting of the KMT's Central Standing Committee today and will form a KMT-PFP merger committee to pursue the goal.

Chang argued it would be impossible for the "pan-blue" camp to return to executive power unless the two parties merge.

Chang said that unless the merger is carried out quickly, a PFP with a more distinct identity would make such a joining impossible.

"A party with a strong individuality cannot absent itself from a major election, or the morale of the entire party will dissolve. Therefore, the two parties should be made to become one before the nomination of PFP presidential candidates," Chang said.

As to the so-called "anti-Soong" clause in the KMT's charter, often cited by the PFP as preventing PFP Chairman James Soong (宋楚瑜) from returning to the KMT, Chang said that the charter can always be revised.

Chang also suggested that the KMT study the feasibility of setting up a collective leadership to facilitate the merger.

Soong was ousted from the KMT in 1999 for his decision to run in the 2000 presidential polls against KMT nominee Lien Chan (連戰). He founded the PFP in March 2000, soon after the presidential race was over.

According to KMT rules, former members who rejoin the party are prohibited from becoming a member of the Central Committee for three years. Also, those ousted from the party are forever prohibited from assuming the position of chairman.

Because of these rules, Soong could not rise to a position of power within the party if he returned.

Preferring to maintain the status quo, the PFP said in a news statement that there is "infinite room" for both parties to cooperate while there are "numerous problems" with a merger.

The PFP dismissed Chang's proposal for a collective leadership as a "fantasy" that is impossible to attain.

Chang's proposal, meanwhile, triggered a mixed reaction among KMT legislators.

Shyu Jong-shyong (徐中雄), leader of the pro-localization Generation-E Alliance, said his group is supportive of a KMT-PFP merger but against cooperation between the parties.

In the case of cooperation, the KMT is in a disadvantageous position, because its individuality would be devoured by the PFP, Shyu said.

A merger, in contrast, will enable both parties to share common interests and stop being so calculating of their respective interests, Shyu added.

Huang Teh-fu (黃德福), however, is against a merger on the grounds that it would push the "pan-blue" camp further right on the political spectrum.

After the KMT and PFP are merged, it would become the only target of attack for the left-wing TSU, and the DPP will then replace the KMT to become the party in the middle of the political spectrum, Huang warned.