The Kuomintang’s new chairperson Hung Hsiu-chu said she would lead the party through its current challenges. She was speaking at Chiang Kai Shek’s mausoleum in Taoyuan on the 41st anniversary of his death.
President Ma Ying-jeou, Vice President Wu Den-yih and other officials were also there to pay their respects on Tuesday.
"I’m the 9th chairperson of the Kuomintang," Hung spoke about the challenges facing the party, "I’ve seen the party’s ups and downs and have mixed feelings for the party. I believe I have a major responsibility, especially as I face our current challenges. More wisdom and perseverance is needed to break through the many challenges the party faces."
The Kuomintang had a major defeat in the presidential and legislative elections. It lost the majority in the legislature for the first time in January and also saw a major defeat in mid-term local elections over a year ago.
Many local leaders accompanied Hung to the mausoleum.
At the mausoleum, President Ma also spoke about Chiang’s legacy. He said though Chiang has his critics, people should not forget the contributions he made to the Republic of China, enabling it to eventually become the free and democratic country it is today.