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Trong Chai vows to give up post at Formosa Television

DPP Legislator Trong Chai (蔡同榮) has promised to give up his post as the chairman of Formosa Television (民間全民電視台) by Sept. 5 to comply with President Chen Shui-bian's (陳水扁) policy to free media from political influence, different sources said yesterday.

The FTV board of directors is scheduled to hold an ad hoc meeting on Aug. 27, where Chai will hand over his resignation letter, and his successor will be assigned to the post, a source familiar with Chai said.

The new man at the helm could be vice-chairman Tien Tsai-ting (田再庭), a lawyer and a former DPP legislator, the source said.

Aug. 27 is not necessarily "D-Day," said Wei Jui-ming (魏瑞明), director of Chai's legislative office.

Chai himself told Central News Agency that he would decide when to resign after discussing the matter with the FTV board and Chiayi staff. Chai said he hopes that society and the media will give him more time to think about it.

"Chai will definitely give up his post as the FTV chairman by Sept. 5, but before he reports to Chen, the board of directors should approve his resignation first," Wei said.

"Because of the president's promise in the campaign, it [Chai's resignation] is a must-do," he said.

According to the Cabinet's broadcasting and television bill approved at the end of May this year, politically-assigned civil servants, lawmakers and party members are banned from holding the following positions: founder, members of the board of directors, supervisors or managers of any radio or television station.

The Executive Yuan is going to send the bill to the Legislative Yuan for approval in the coming session.

Chai has become the target of criticism for his reluctance after the DPP stalwart failed to resign from his post in in February.

DPP Secretary-General Chang Chun-hsiung (張俊雄) said he welcomes the decision if Chai resigns at the Aug. 27 board meeting.

"Don't worry. Everything is settled," said DPP Secretary-General Lee Ying-yuan (李應元).
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