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Wu sworn in, calls on Ma, Wang to heal rift

Former Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) chairman Ma Ying-jeou, left, shakes hands with Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng at KMT headquarters yesterday at the swearing-in of new KMT Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung, front left. At right is former chairman Lien Chan. PHOTO: SEAN CHAO, TAIPEI TIMES

Newly elected Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung (吳伯雄) was sworn in yesterday and set to work immediately, urging Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng (王金平) and former KMT chairman Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) to heal their rift to help the party seek victory in the presidential election.

In response to calls from Wu and former KMT chairman Lien Chan (連戰) for party unity, Ma promised to invite Wang to be his vice presidential candidate if he won the party's nomination.

"I will keep my promise and consult with Speaker Wang first. The KMT can't afford to split. Let's join forces to fight this difficult battle together and win the election," Ma said during Wu's inauguration ceremony at KMT headquarters.

Wang, who initially planned to ask the KMT not to relax regulations to ensure Ma's nomination as presidential candidate, skipped that part of his speech and chose to second calls for KMT unity.

"The party should stick to its reform path instead of making adjustments," a version released to the press said.

Wang had urged Wu after his victory in last Saturday's by-election to refrain from further amending party regulations so that party members are only suspended after they lose their final appeal in criminal cases.

The KMT removed its "black-gold exclusion clause" after Ma was indicted on corruption charges, allowing him to take part in the KMT's presidential primary. The KMT is expected to further relax its regulations during its party congress in June.

Lien, who is expected to serve as mediator in the upcoming talks between Wang and Ma, vowed to help the party find a pairing with the best chance of winning the presidential election.

"As long as those with their eyes on the presidency are open to each other, there are no problems that can't be solved, and all different opinions can be discussed," he said.

Wu urged members of the Wang and Ma camps not to spread rumors in the media and create friction between the two camps.

"Let's leave all the resentment behind and make a fresh start. Let's all be brothers and push for party unity," Wu said.

Although he agreed to attend Wu's inauguration ceremony, People First Party Chairman James Soong (宋楚瑜) visited Wu about an hour before the ceremony and left before the other KMT bigwigs arrived.

Taking over as chairman, Wu appointed former KMT secretary-general Lin Fong-cheng (林豐正) as vice chairman.

While Wu lauded Lin's rich experience in party affairs and said he expected him to be a great assistant, the appointment of Lin, a close aide of Lien's, was seen as a move to please the former chairman.
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