There have been rumors that the ruling Kuomintang (KMT) is going to change its presidential candidate. KMT Chairman Eric Chu did not outright say he would run in her place, but he said he is willing to take on responsibility.
Chu said he has spoken with Hung many times and asked her to consider the voices within the party and poll results, which have her trailing other candidates.
“She always says she does not care about her personal success or failure. She also doesn’t care about the issue of legislative seats. We have met with her many times and asked her to value the big picture. There have been a lot of voices and she should take these into consideration," Chu said. "Of course Legislature Vice President Hung asked who would take responsibility. I said as the party chairman, I would take on the responsibility. If there is a need, I need to take on all the responsibility.”
When asked by the media if that meant he would run in her place, Chu said he wouldn’t answer hypothetical questions. But he said the Central Standing Committee will thoroughly discuss the issue on Wednesday.
When Hung heard of Chu’s comments, she cancelled her original schedule and held a press conference to explain her stance.
"Everyone can stop worrying, I will stick with my first love of running in the election and keep my promise," Hung said. "I will not accept any benefits in exchange for this and will not bow down to any unreasonable force."
Hung said ever since it was announced that she would run as the party candidate, she did not allow herself to waver. If she did, she would lose her credibility before the people and cause the Kuomintang to collapse. She said that organizations are based on laws not people. She said the party should walk this big path, and she still does not believe the rumors that the party would change their candidate.