KMT defector is accused of opportunism

The Chunghsing Elite Group boasted 270 members and had been described as "Chairman Lien Chan's trusted followers."

But most observers agree that the party has shown little inclination to promote the young members to more influential and responsible positions.

"The party would give you titles such as adviser to such-and-such committee, but the reality is that the party fails to implement substantial measures to make young members feel that they matter," said Chiu, who received an MA in public affairs and administration from Chi Nan University (暨南大學).

`A kind of hell'

"The KMT is a kind of hell that ruins youngsters, not a paradise that cultivates them," Chiu said, adding that oppression within the KMT as result of his outspokenness was another reason that left him no choice but to leave the party.

Disagreeing with criticism that paints Chiu as an opportunist for running on the TSU ticket, Liu I-de (劉一德), former director of the Democratic Progressive Party's organizational development department, said that there is nothing wrong with politicians deciding to change parties at some point in their careers.

"In a party where charismatic leadership is lacking, what good is it to stay there?" said Liu, who is now a TSU member.

Saying that the TSU is a small but ambitious party that knows how to nurture young talent, Liu said that the TSU "is providing an opportunity for young people" in its acceptance of Chiu as its member.