KMT vice chairman considering top job at research body

KMT Vice Chairman Vincent Siew (蕭萬長) yesterday confirmed that he may take over the position of chairman of the board of the Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research (CIER, 中華經濟研究院).

As the government-funded think tank has traditionally served as a consultative body to the president, Siew's close connection with the DPP government has again taken the limelight in the wake of the disclosure of Siew's possible new position.

Though Siew admitted that President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) had met with him to discuss his taking the position -- before Chen left the country for his African trip -- he insisted that there is nothing political about this offer.

Siew said it is the CIER's board of trustees that has the final say over the appointment, not the president.

According to Siew, incumbent Board Chairman Samuel Shieh (謝森中) will retire soon, and CIER President Mai Chao-cheng (麥朝成) and many board members would like to see Siew succeed Shieh.

But the personnel appointment will not be finalized until the board has met to discuss it, Siew said.

Siew said he would consider accepting the post if the CIER board makes a final decision to offer him the position because it would be an opportunity to contribute to the nation's economic development.

Siew stressed that the research conducted by the CIER is not only intended for the government's reference, but also for the private sector.

As an independent, professional research institute, the CIER should be able to offer opinions and provide solutions to Taiwan's economic problems, Siew said.

Siew said the KMT did not interfere in the CIER's operation when it was in power in the past, and that he believes the DPP will also allow the CIER to maintain its independence.

The KMT yesterday said it would respect Siew's decision if he were to accept the position at the institution.

KMT spokesman Wu Ching-ji (吳清基) quoted chairman Lien Chan (連戰) as saying that the party will fully support any matters that are helpful to the improvement of national interests and the public's well-being.

Agreeing with Siew, Wu said the public should not look at Siew's possible appointment from a political point of view.

Unlike Lien, who has refused to ally or cooperate with the DPP, Siew has advocated that the KMT stop its antagonism toward the DPP and assist it to resolve the country's economic problems.

This stance has kept Siew aloof from the KMT leadership headed by Lien, which prefers an alliance with the PFP.