A senior member of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) yesterday called on fellow party member Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng (
Liang Su-jung (
"It is OK to show a little reservation in the beginning," said Liang. "But [Wang] ought not to become like Vincent Siew (蕭萬長), who keeps one foot in both camps."
Siew, a KMT vice chairman, is the head of President Chen Shui-bian's (
Both Wang and Siew were born in Taiwan -- a trait that some see as increasing the likelihood of a conflict of loyalties for leaders in the pro-unification pan-blue camp.
Liang said after paying a visit to KMT Chairmen Lien Chan (連戰) at the KMT's headquarters that he understands Wang's reservations about running the campaign, but he also increased the pressure on Wang to take the position saying that "locally born comrades need to have a chance to shine too" and that it is time for him to stand up to the plate "for the sake of next year's presidential electoral victory."
Lien is running for president with PFP Chairman James Soong (
Noting Wang's current positions as the party's vice chairman and legislative speaker, Liang said that the KMT has not treated Wang badly.
"I hope that Wang will not disregard the party's solidarity and choose to deliberately refuse to assume the post of campaign director-general," Liang said.
Wang dismissed Liang's comments when approached by the press for his response.
"I definitely will not do anything that's harmful to the party," said Wang, smiling, while restating his loyalty to the KMT, but not committing himself to a greater roll in its leadership.
"I respect Liang's remarks for I believe they are words of goodwill," he added.
As of whether he has decided to take up the director-general post, Wang remained evasive, saying only that "the answer would be known when the time is ripe."
Wang had previously said that before he makes his decision, he needs to ascertain first whether the two candidates -- Lien and Soong -- are indeed sincere about putting the interests of the people first.
Siew affirmed yesterday his fidelity toward his party and said that all he does is for the good of the nation.
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