President Ma Ying-jeou says he supports the ruling KMT’s decision to replace the party’s presidential candidate, Hung Hsiu-chu.
Ma was speaking Thursday morning at a world peace event organized by an NGO in Taipei. Ma’s remarks come a day after the KMT decided to call an extraordinary party meeting to discuss the possibility of replacing Hung.
The president explained his support for the KMT’s decision.
Ma said, "We, the KMT, should [work hard] to unify and pull ourselves together at a moment when the presidential campaign is tough and morale is low. We admire Legislature Vice President Hung Hsiu-chu, who half a year ago took on a responsibility that no other KMT members were willing to accept. At this time, the party hopes that Chairman Eric Chu will hold further discussions with Hung. I support the decision made by our Central Standing Committee."
Ma did not make further comments when he met Hung briefly after the event.