The ruling party's legislative caucus yesterday called on the nation's political party leaders to meet as soon as possible to deal with major problems facing the country.
William Lai (
Ma is to take over the KMT's helm on Aug. 19.
No pressure
But Lai added that his party would not put any pressure on Ma, since he also needs some time to deal with the largest opposition party's "reform" problems.
Lai said Ma, who is also the mayor of Taipei, should have a chance to discuss national issues with DPP Chairman Su Tseng-chang (
"It would be good if Ma attends a political party leaders' meeting called by the president," he said.
Legislature
As the legislature has not yet decided whether or not to call a special summer session, if the party leaders were to meet, they would have to try to reach a consensus on such issues as a special NT$80 billion (US$2.5 billion) budget for fighting floods, a special budget bill to purchase weapons from the US and the president's nomination of Control Yuan members, Lai said.
As of now, the legislature has just scheduled a "talking session" or informal gathering for Aug. 12, during which the lawmakers will decide whether or not to meet for a "formal" session to deal with those urgent issues.
Summer session
Lai said that he would call on opposition party caucus leaders and try to convince them that a formal summer session is important for the country.
Since the People First Party, which opposes a special session, has recently elected a new caucus leader, Lai extended his best wishes to newly elected Huang Yi-chiao (
National interest
"Legislators should look at issues from the national standpoint, not merely from the points of view of personal or partisan interests," he said.
He said that he and his caucus members will contact other caucuses in the hope of persuading them to pass the urgent bills during a special summer session.
Three other bills that the DPP considers to be urgent include amendments that would overhaul the structure of the Executive Yuan, the establishment of a board of directors and supervisors for a labor pension fund and revamping taxes on liquor and cigarettes.
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