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Hsieh, Su need to clarify their policies, says Koo

The infighting between Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential hopefuls Premier Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌) and former premier Frank Hsieh (謝長廷) has led the public to believe they are only interested in the power that comes with the presidency, former presidential adviser Koo Kwang-ming (辜寬敏) said yesterday.

Koo made the remarks following an ad that he placed in a number of Chinese-language newspapers yesterday titled "Who can lead Taiwan into the future?"

In the ad, Koo gave his view about the country's political situation and its relations with China and the US.

Elaborating on his thoughts, Koo said yesterday that the DPP's four presidential hopefuls should state their platforms clearly so that the public is not left with the impression that they "just want the presidency."

Despite their leads in various polls, Koo said both Su and Hsieh should elaborate more on their positions on major issues.

Koo said DPP Chairman Yu Shyi-kun, who appears to be lagging in polls, was the presidential hopeful who had most clearly stated his opinions.

Koo stopped short of endorsing Yu over the other three DPP primary contenders.

In the ad, Koo made no mention of Vice President Annette Lu (呂秀蓮), one of the four vying for the DPP's nomination for the election next year.

In response, Su yesterday said he appreciates Koo's thoughts.

Yu said Koo was always making "thought-provoking comments at critical moments."

"I believe presidential contenders should elaborate on their ideas about the nation's position," he said.

He refused to comment on the ad's criticism of Su and Hsieh and declined to speculate on why Koo did not mention Lu.

In related news, all four DPP presidential aspirants participated in a candidate number lot drawing yesterday. Hsieh's is candidate No. 1, Su No. 2, Lu No. 3 and Yu No. 4.

Additional reporting by Jimmy Chuang and Flora Wang
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