Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) yesterday announced his support for a party legislator's proposal that the KMT hold a "Youth Forum" to discuss the party's future path.
He also urged party legislators to share any concerns they have with the party caucus, rather than the media.
The KMT caucus showed deep divisions recently during the decision-making process surrounding the confirmation of Hsieh Wen-ding (謝文定), the president's nomination for state public prosecutor-general.
Growing resentment
Growing resentment for the caucus' hawkish faction -- dubbed the "Ma troop" -- has prompted some party legislators from the south of Taiwan, led by Hsu Shu-bo (
In response, Ma yesterday said he was "happy to see legislators have opinions on the party's affairs," and welcomed party members to share their thoughts with him directly.
"What I am afraid of most is the KMT becoming a monopoly ? I am happy to listen to all kinds of opinions, and I welcome [party members] to contact me anytime," Ma said yesterday morning before attending a meeting of the Asian Network of Major Cities 21 in his role as Taipei mayor.
According to the Chinese-language media, Hsu sent out invitations yesterday calling on his fellow legislators from southern Taiwan to "draw on their collective wisdom to find a correct direction for the party," because the KMT needs to examine itself so the party can return to the middle course and grow stronger.
No invite for ma
Hsu invited between 20 and 30 legislators along with Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng (
Ma reiterated his willingness to communicate with his party's legislators, and dismissed allegations that he had indulged the hawkish faction and led the party caucus to extremes.
"I am the KMT chairman, don't you think that accusing me of controlling party factions is going a little too far?" Ma said later in the afternoon during a gathering with the press.
"Each faction has the freedom to express its opinion. [Legislators] are welcome to share their voices within the caucus, but talking to the media will only limit the room for discussion," he said.
In response to the discontent over party hawks siding with deep-blue supporters, Ma said he agreed 100 percent with the suggestions of legislators that the KMT caucus should use common sense when making decisions.
"We need to hold the party together ? I've always respected the caucus' opinion, and give it enough space to make decisions, rather than giving it orders," he added.
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