Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairwoman Hung Hsiu-chu (洪秀柱) yesterday remained tight-lipped about her choices for the party’s future cadres, but listed several names that she said would be entrusted with important positions within the KMT.
Hung made the remarks during a visit to Chiang Kai-shek’s (蔣介石) mausoleum in Taoyuan’s Dasi Township (大溪) to commemorate the 41st anniversary of Chiang’s death in 1975.
She was accompanied by a group of KMT members, including KMT deputy caucus whip Lin Te-fu (林德福), Chiayi City Council Speaker Hsiao Shu-li (蕭淑麗), Taitung County Council Speaker Rao Ching-ling (饒慶鈴) and former KMT legislator Lin Kuo-cheng (林國正).
Photo: Chang Chia-ming, Taipei Times
Hung’s visit followed a trip to the mausoleum earlier yesterday by President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) and Vice President Wu Den-yih (吳敦義) to pay tribute to Chiang.
As Hung had previously indicated that she would drop “hints” about her selections during her scheduled visit to the Chiang mausoleum, reporters were on hand to hear the names.
“As you can see, many heads of city and county councils, elected representatives and legislators have joined me here today. They are all going to be entrusted with significant positions in accordance with the constituencies they represent and their respective capabilities,” Hung said.
Hung said their posts would be closely intertwined with the KMT’s electoral strategies for the 2018 local elections, as the party would require their grasp of local situations and efforts to promote party affairs at the grassroots level.
However, Hung said her lineup would be announced at different stages instead of all at once, adding: “You will know tomorrow [today] morning.”
The media reported that Hung is planning to designate more than one deputy secretary-general, with Hsiao, Rao and Lin Kuo-cheng all potential candidates.
Hung, the KMT’s ninth chairperson, said her heart was filled with mixed feelings when she stood in front of Chiang, who served as the KMT’s director-general, after having witnessed the party’s ups and downs in recent years.
“I feel like I am carrying a heavy burden, particularly considering the predicaments facing the party right now. We need greater wisdom and endurance to overcome these straits,” Hung said.
When asked for comment on former KMT secretary-general Lee Shu-chuan’s (李四川) proposal to abolish an annual forum between the KMT and the Chinese Communist Party, Hung said that the forum has its uses.
She said she would review and make improvements to the parts of the forum that the public deems “problematic.”
However, she added: “That does not mean we will stop holding the forum.”
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