Taiwan's next first lady to mark shift in style

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2008

TAIPEI (AFP) — With an "aunt next door" image and habit of catching the bus to work, Taiwan's incoming First Lady will bring a shift in style from the wife of outgoing President Chen Shui-bian.

Chow Mei-ching, 56, who heads the legal division of a major Taipei banking group, has largely stayed out of the limelight during husband Ma Ying-jeou's political career.

That will now change, after Ma trounced ruling party rival Frank Hsieh for the presidency in a weekend election.

Criss-crossing the island to campaign for her husband this month, Chow was said to have won over voters by bowing 90 degrees as she shook their hands, a rare practice in Taiwan.

"Chow portrays a completely different image of the traditional mysterious and lofty first lady. She is...