The Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) yesterday confirmed it had rejected People First Party (PFP) Legislator Shen Chih-hwei's (
KMT Chairman Ma Ying-jeou (
Shen announced last week that she had decided to leave the PFP and join the KMT for the next legislative session, which starts in September.
Shen, who ran for Taichung mayor against incumbent Jason Hu (
There was apparently a lot of resentment between the KMT and PFP branches in Taichung both before and after last December's election and the KMT's Taichung headquarters rejected Shen's application.
"Shen did come to me to talk about her application, but I told her that we needed to respect the local headquarters' decision," Ma said yesterday after presiding over a municipal meeting at Taipei City Hall.
The KMT requires applicants to file their membership applications with their local branches.
"If local branch has issues with an application, it's the applicant's job to communicate with the branch and try to solve the problems," he said.
Shen said on Monday that she would continue to try to join the KMT as an independent legislator.
PFP caucus whip Lu Hsueh-chang (
"The KMT already rejected her application, but she still wants to join it ? What's done can't be undone. We give her our blessing and deepest regret as well," Lu said.
Shen's colleague, PFP Legislator Chen Chao-rung (
Starting from the next legislative election, a single-member district system will be implemented, which is regarded as unfavorable to smaller parties.
The Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association has cautioned Japanese travelers to be vigilant against pickpockets at several popular tourist spots in Taiwan, including Taipei’s night markets, the Yongkang Street area, Zhongshan MRT Station, and Jiufen (九份) in New Taipei City. The advisory, titled “Recent Development of Concerns,” was posted on the association’s Web site under its safety and emergency report section. It urges travelers to keep backpacks fully zipped and carried in front, with valuables placed at the bottom of the bag. Visitors are advised to be especially mindful of their belongings when taking photos or speaking on the phone, avoid storing wallets and
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