(Central News Agency reporter Liu Guanting, Taipei, 18th) The list of the Central Committee of the Kuomintang has provoked a backlash within the party. Secretary-General Huang Jianting announced today that it will cease operations with immediate effect and apologize to supporters. He said that the nomination mechanism will return to the staff organization to make recommendations and send them to the Central Nomination Committee for approval. The committee will be convened by the chairman and will invite important opinion leaders such as county mayors.
On the 15th, the KMT announced the establishment of the “Central Election Strategy Report”. The list included legislators Fu Kunyu, former Tainan City Speaker Li Quanjiao and others, triggering a backlash within the party. The popular 2024 presidential candidate and New Taipei City Mayor Hou Youyi stated through Facebook, “Reject black money in any political party, and the people will not accept black money in any form.” Zhao Shaokang, chairman of Zhongguang, also called for the immediate cancellation of the selection committee.
Huang Jianting held an impromptu press conference this morning to announce that the Party Central Committee will cease its operation and return to the original nomination mechanism from now on. The staff will make nomination suggestions and send them to the Central Nomination Committee for approval. The Central Nomination Committee is convened by the party chairman and will be composed of important opinion leaders including county mayors.
Huang Jianting pointed out that the selection committee was originally set up as a temporary organization, and its main purpose was to assist the integration and coordination of the original party mechanism. Especially in difficult constituencies, it is necessary to recommend talents and coordinate resources from all parties to help win the election campaign for legislators. But now the function of the selection committee has been magnified, distorted and misunderstood by the outside world, causing unnecessary troubles. Party chairman Zhu Lilun also said that the selection committee was originally designed to solve problems, not create problems. With the current situation, they believe that the selection process should be terminated will work.
Huang Jianting pointed out that he reported to Zhu Lilun in the morning, saying that he convened the selection meeting, and now that it has been misunderstood, it is up to him to make the decision to terminate it. It turned out that he was in charge of the staff work for nomination within the party. After adjustments were made, the original staff within the party would continue to assume responsibility.
Huang Jianting said that the members of the selection committee continued last year’s nine-in-one election. Considering that Kaohsiung and Tainan were particularly difficult, Li Quanjiao, former legislator Huang Zhaoshun, and Legislative Yuan party chief Zeng Mingzong were newly included.
Regarding the controversy over the list, Huang Jianting said that he was not thoughtful enough. As the convener, he has to bear the greatest responsibility for causing anxiety to supporters and the general public. He is deeply sorry.
Huang Jianting also said that Zhu Lilun has taken on many responsibilities during this period. As the secretary-general, he must shoulder the greatest responsibility. He would like to thank everyone for having so many expectations for the KMT, and also hopes to unite and work together to face future challenges.
The “Central Election Strategy Report” was originally convened by Huang Jianting, and its members include former Taipei County Mayor Zhou Xiwei, former Hsinchu County Mayor Qiu Jingchun, former Kaohsiung City Council Speaker Zhuang Qiwang, Fu Kunqi, Taoyuan City Party Committee Chairman Huang Mingong, former Miaoli County Mayor Liu Zhenghong, Li Quanjiao, legislator Zeng Mingzong, former legislator Huang Zhaoshun, a total of 10 people. (Editor: Huang Ruihong) 1120318
