Confirming rumors of simmering discontent within the People First Party (PFP), party Legislator Lee Chin-hua (
"My individual departure is of no importance. However, the fact that supporters are departing is of the utmost importance. I hope that the PFP has the ability to engage in introspection," said Lee after announcing that he is leaving the party yesterday morning.
Lee is the first to formally announce his departure after several PFP legislators publicly called on the party to reconsider its policies in the wake of its dismal performance in last Saturday's National Assembly elections.
PHOTO: LIN CHENG-KUN, TAIPEI TIMES
The PFP secured only 18 seats of the 300 that were up for grabs on Saturday, falling far short of its goal of claiming 40 seats.
Given the record low voting turnout of 23 percent, the PFP has since said that it does not consider the election to be a reflection of the people's true support for the party.
However, a number of PFP legislators, including Lee, have blamed the party's lackluster election performance on its recent friendly overtures to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
Lee said that he had spent all night lying awake and thinking about his decision, and concluded that the PFP's insistence on its current path of cooperation with the DPP left him no choice but to leave.
"I am bidding the PFP farewell, but I wish it well. The party advocates cooperation between the DPP and PFP, between the pan-green and pan-blue camps, and between Bian [President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁)] and [PFP Chairman James] Soong (宋楚瑜). I support cooperation between the KMT and PFP, as well as pan-blue unity -- how can you say that there is no conflict?" Lee told a news conference yesterday.
Lee emphasized that he harbored no animosity toward Soong, and said he had spoken to Soong before announcing his decision.
"I talked on the phone with the chairman [Soong] for a long time. Soong tried to convince me not to leave. I have always supported Chairman Soong, and even at this time I respect him as much as ever," Lee said.
When asked whether his sister and fellow PFP Legislator Lee Chin-an (
During a news conference held by the PFP legislative caucus following Lee Chin-hua's announcement, Lee Chin-an said that she would not leave the PFP.
The PFP's legislative caucus said that it wished Lee Chin-hua well and did not harbor any hard feelings toward him.
His resignation from the party sparked speculation about his next ideological home.
Lee Chin-hua said that he plans to take some time to carefully consider which direction he should take.
In response to a question on whether he has been in contact with the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT), of which he is a former member,Lee Chin-hua said no.
The KMT said that it has no plans to approach Lee Chin-hua.
KMT spokeswoman Cheng Li-wen (
Although the KMT welcomes returning former members with open arms, the party will not contact him first, Cheng said.
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