The quasi-official Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF), which serves as the sole civil organization authorized to conduct cross-strait negotiations, yesterday elected its fifth board of directors, replacing 12 incumbents.
With the appointments, PFP and TSU representatives were elected to the board for the first time.
The board also approved a proposal to revise its constitution to downsize itself from 49 members to between 25 and 31, and to guarantee the government at least 10 seats.
The current board's term expires on Dec. 2. Most incumbents will retain their posts for another three-year term.
Also on Dec. 2, the new board will elect the foundation's chairman, vice chairmen and secretary-general.
Party representation
The new board includes one representative from each major political party. DPP Legislator Chen Chung-hsin (
The PFP and TSU now have members on the board for the first time. Representing the PFP is Chang Hsien-yao (
"The new board is more comprehensive as its reflects current party politics by including PFP and TSU representatives," said the foundation's secretary-general, Shi Hwai-yow (
The PFP, established in 2000, and the TSU, established last year, were formed after the foundation's last reshuffle three years ago.
SEF Chairman Koo Chen-fu (
Speculation
However Koo declined to confirm such speculation yesterday.
"Leadership of the SEF is generated by political appointments. We will respect the arrangements from the government," he said.
At least 18 board members, however, will not retain their posts for the full three-year term. The downsizing approved yesterday will take effect once the foundation's constitution has been amended to reflect the decision and the revision has been approved by the Mainland Affairs Council.
According to Shi, the board's downsizing will be accomplished "within months."
"The current size of the board of directors is too big to enable us to operate effectively," Shi said.
Shi denied the connection between the downsizing of the board of directors and rumors that the foundation had been rendered redundant by strong control from the government.
He said that the average size of the board of directors for domestic civil organizations is around 20 members.
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