Ex-gov. Soong opens office, is vague on presidential bid

Asian Economic News, April 5, 1999

TAIPEI, April 2 Kyodo Former Taiwan Gov. James Soong established a liaison office in Taipei on Friday, but remained vague on whether he would bolt from the ruling Nationalist Party (KMT) to run for president in next year's election. Soong's post as governor was phased out in December as part of a radical plan to streamline Taiwan's provincial government.

He currently does not hold any public office, but says he wants to use his new Taipei office to gauge his public support. The provincial government handles the administrative functions of the island, excluding Taipei and Kaohsiung. On the opening day of his office, Soong said he would consider running for president if the people believe he can do something for Taiwan. ''But I hope that everyone understands that there is no way for me to fulfill all the expectations that people have of me all by myself,'' Soong said. The mainland-born Soong said a broad consensus and solidarity among the people of Taiwan were crucial to deal with a hostile China. Soong commands solid grassroots support across the island. The support was built during his four-year term as provincial governor, through massive spending on roads, bridges and other pork barrel projects. Yet Soong has fallen out with President Lee Teng-hui and core members of the party. Vice President Lien Chan is virtually certain to win the party ticket for the presidential race, which would force Soong to either bury his presidential ambitions or run as an independent candidate.