Presidential Office in crisis: Journey from political asset to liability

Describing Wu as a direct, passionate and optimistic woman, DPP Legislator Lan Mei-chin (藍美津) said she believed Wu was not the kind of person who would meddle in government policies.

"I'm sure she knows where to draw the line," she said.

Lan is the wife of former national policy adviser to the President Huang Tien-fu (黃天福), Huang Hsin-chieh's brother.

Lan has developed a close relationship with Wu since both of their husbands were sent to jail in 1986.

Lan said she was most impressed by Wu's courage in the face of illness.

"I remember one time after her tragic accident, she told me not to cry when I saw how she suffered," Lan said.

Former senior adviser to the president Wu Li-pei (吳澧培) described Wu as someone who is candid and easy to get along with.