Opposition lawmakers yesterday again trumpeted their demand that President Chen Shui-bian (
This time though, they added a caveat that could give their argument more political finesse: that former president Lee Teng-hui (
Lee, who has stepped quietly off Taiwan's political stage, supports the recent consensus of opposition parties that has requested Chen implement a semi-presidential system, the speaker of the Legislative Yuan, Wang Jin-pyng (王金平), said yesterday.
Wang said the consensus is consistent with the long-standing position of the former president.
"Former president Lee expressed his support for the semi-presidential system when he met with legislators on March 20, and his view has remained the same up until today," said Wang, a senior KMT politician who has maintained a close relationship with Lee.
Wang suggested that Chen communicate directly with the opposition parties to resolve their differences, having a third person act as mediator if necessary.
Wang's remarks were made in response to reports which have suggested he has personally acted as a messenger between Chen and Lee, just as the KMT was joining the People First Party and New Party to push for Chen's recall.
The turmoil was triggered by the DPP government's decision to scrap the Fourth Nuclear Power Plant project regardless of strong disapproval from opposition lawmakers.
In addition to Wang, Lee has also sent former premier Vincent Siew (蕭萬長) and Lee's right-hand man Su Chih-cheng (蘇志誠) to pass messages to Chen asking him to allow the government to function according to their interpretation of the Constitution, the Chinese-language media reported, quoting sources close to Lee. Taiwan's Constitution does not clearly state whether the government should function as a presidential or Cabinet system.
The paper said that Lee has proposed that Chen replace Premier Chang Chun-hsiung (
The report also said that Lee was disappointed with Chen after he refused the proposal. The paper suggested that this development has prompted Lee to throw his support behind the opposition's bid to recall Chen.
Wang, however, did not confirm whether Lee supported the recall or not. He also declined to confirm if he had met with Chen to pass messages on Lee's behalf.
Lee has remained an influential figure both in the DPP and among some elements within the KMT despite his retirement. Lee dominated the 1997 round of constitutional reform in which the semi-presidential system was introduced.
Her Jyh-huei (
Her said the KMT has adopted a uniform attitude toward the recall bid, denying reports suggesting bad communication between Lee and incumbent KMT Chairman Lien Chan (
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