President-elect Chen Shui-bian (
The meeting yesterday morning, initiated by the DPP president-elect, lasted for about an hour, officials said.
Siew told Chen that he would help smooth the transition of power from the KMT to the DPP, "setting up a democratic paradigm" in Taiwan, according to government spokesman Chao Yi (
The transition will be the first handover of power from one political party to another in Taiwan's history.
Siew also told Chen that decisions on "major policies" would remain pending until the formulation of the new Cabinet is in place, Chao said.
As to what would constitute so-called "major policies," Siew said he would soon clarify these items based on his experience and professional judgement.
But Siew also said that his cabinet has in the meantime also continued implementing policies, such as adjustments of the military, Chao said.
Siew also explained to Chen various measures taken by the incumbent cabinet to ensure social stability in the face of the upcoming power transfer.
Examples of such measures cited by Siew included a meeting last Saturday to discuss the future of the National Stabilization Fund (NSF), which went into effect two days before the March 18 presidential election to support stock prices.
The NSF is to gradually withdraw from the stock market, with no pre-set schedule for the sale of shares held by the fund, officials from the fund's management committee announced on Saturday after a committee meeting.
"All these measures are to ensure that our country remain stable so as to help the realization of a peaceful transition of power," Chao said.
In addition to expressing his gratitude for Siew's efforts, Chen also explained to Siew his decision to invite incumbent Minister of National Defense and KMT member Tang Fei (
The KMT has given approval to Tang to take up the post of premier as an individual, rather than as a party member.
In the meeting Siew also told Chen that he would do his best to give advice to the new government after he leaves office.
Chen and Siew, however, did not in their meeting yesterday address the issue of Cabinet appointments.
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