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PFP legislator queries Ma's motives

People First Party (PFP) Legislator Liu Wen-hsiung (劉文雄) yesterday accused Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) of trying to use PFP Chairman James Soong (宋楚瑜) as a bargaining chip ahead of his meeting with President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) tomorrow.

Closed-door meeting

The legislator was angered by the KMT's decision to publicize a closed-door meeting between Ma and Soong today.

"I question the KMT's motive for doing this because it makes it seem as if Ma needs Soong's endorsement [before he can meet with Chen tomorrow,]" Liu said.

What the KMT did suggested that "Ma was not confident enough," Liu claimed at a press conference held yesterday at the legislature.

Liu said Ma had contacted Soong and that both parties had agreed to hold a closed-door meeting today. However, the KMT had then leaked news of the meeting to the media, he said.

Liu also criticized Ma's cross-strait policies, saying they were vague and disorganized.

He said Soong's cross-strait policies were based on practical theories and had been recognized by the Democratic Progressive Party government.

Mysterious policies

"Ma's cross-strait policies were said by the Financial Times to be `still a mystery,'" Liu said. "For his part, Soong would love to share his experience with Ma, but we hope that Ma does not play tricks on Soong."

Liu suggested Ma use his meeting with Chen tomorrow to review the "10-point consensus" and to ask the president to honor the pact.

The "10-point consensus" was agreed by Chen and Soong after their meeting on Feb. 24 last year.

Six of the 10 points in the consensus focused on cross-strait relations and issues related to the nation's status, and included a promise to seek a consensus from governing and opposition parties in formulating a legal basis for creating a mechanism for cross-strait relations.

"I believe this 10-point agreement should give [Ma] fresh ideas about cross-strait relations so that he will be well prepared for his meeting with the president on Monday," Liu said.
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