Taiwan Quick Take: Soong shares `deep feelings'

People First Party (PFP) Chairman James Soong (宋楚瑜) yesterday attacked Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) and his administration's policies, while expressing a desire to "serve the residents of Taipei." Discussing a plan to build Taipei into an international city, Soong nevertheless declined to announce he would run for mayor. "I can't give up the deep feelings I have for Taipei residents ... Instead of following in the footsteps of the KMT [Chinese Nationalist Party] or the Democratic Progressive Party, I want to run together with the residents of Taipei," he said during a lunch with reporters in Taipei. Ahead of the publication of his new book Ninety-Percent Secret tomorrow, which details his experiences as former provincial governor, Soong said the Taipei City Government boasts "five nevers" -- never be active, never negotiate issues with the central government, never take responsibility, never take the grassroots' voice seriously and never learn the art of teamwork. "Let's see how I, an old master, will renovate the city step by step," Soong said. He added that he would make public his decision on running for the office next month.