The proposed joint presidential ticket between the KMT’s Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) and the TPP’s Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) fell apart last week. KMT candidates have had to deal with the consequences of that outcome in more ways than one.
Video script:
In a TV interview on Tuesday, Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih and vice presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong (趙少康) said that even though they are not working on a cross-party ticket with the TPP, they still support some of TPP candidate Ko Wen-je’s proposals.
Specifically, they say there is consensus that Taiwan should amend the constitution to allow for a British-style parliamentary system with an elevated cabinet. As for whether a KMT government would appoint any TPP members to cabinet positions, the candidates say that it is still too early to say, but did not rule out the possibility.
However, Jaw has been making headlines recently, not related to public policy, but rather a piece of public art. Banqiao District legislative candidate Yeh Yuan-chih (葉元之) took a risk when a cross-party ticket seemed likely to have a billboard featuring both Hou and Ko. After the alliance fell apart, a painter was hired to paint Jaw’s face over Ko’s. However, many have commented, including Jaw himself, that the painting does not much resemble the new VP candidate. Jaw says that the painter should have added more hair, and that it looks a bit like Taiwanese author Pai Hsien-yung (白先勇). Nevertheless, Jaw says he is glad the painting has started a conversation.
Meanwhile, netizens have created an entry on Google Maps for the billboard. One review calls it a world-class attraction, on par with the National Palace Museum or the Great Wall of China.
So if you’re coming to Taipei, forget the National Palace Museum. Come and take a look at this piece of political history.