The concern stems from Lai's membership of the Taiwan Solidarity Union--which is widely perceived as favoring independence--and her closeness to former President Lee Teng-hui, who backs the party and angered Beijing in the 1990s by advocating a state-to-state relationship instead of unification.
The premier-designate defended his selection of Lai, stating that she "completely agrees with president-elect Ma Ying-jeou's cross-strait platform," adding that her nomination was personally made by Ma. "She is qualified for the position on the basis of her past experience in dealing with mainland affairs as well as her educational background," Liu said.
Ma stressed that Lai does not support Taiwan's independence and added that she has already acknowledged that future cross-strait negotiations would be carried out under the principle of "one China, different interpretations"Ña foundation of the KMT platform for Taipei-Beijing negotiations.
In a bid to head off criticism of his Cabinet selections, which consist mainly of those with long government and regulatory experience, Liu said he could not have inexperienced people dealing with the many urgent issues facing Taiwan. "There is no time for greenhorns to learn on the job," he explained. Liu stressed that "old hands are the best," but gave the assurance that his administration will also continue its efforts to "groom rookies who are competent and honest."
According to Shane Lee, law and politics professor at Chang Jung Christian University in Tainan County, critics of Liu's new Cabinet believe the KMT should have found younger faces to fill the positions. "The public may start wondering why the KMT didn't train any new leaders over the past eight years," he said.
Other appointees unveiled include Chang Jin-fu (Minister without Portfolio); Ovid Tzeng (Minister without Portfolio); Chen Chao-min (Minister of National Defense); Cheng Jei-cheng (Minister of Education); Lee Sush-der (Minister of Finance); Vanessa Yea-ping Shih (Minister, Government Information Office); Gordon Shuh Chen (Minister, Financial Supervisory Commission); Cheng Ching-Hsiu (Minister, Central Personnel Administration); Chou Kung-shin (Director, National Palace Museum); Kao Hua-chu (Minister, Veterans Affairs Commission); Tsai Chuen-horn (Minister, Atomic Energy Council); Lee Lou-chuang (Minister, National Science Council); Jiang Yi-huah (Minister, Research, Development and Evaluation Commission); Huang Pi-twan (Minister, Council for Cultural Affairs); Frank Fan (Minister, Public Construction Commission); Dana Tai (Minister, National Council on Physical Fitness and Sports); Huang Yu-chen (Minister, Council for Hakka Affairs).
Most of the designated ministers have served as presidents and professors of various local universities, or deputy ministers and ministers in the previous KMT administration. The new appointees will be tasked with implementing Ma's electoral program, which emphasizes new infrastructure development and closer trade ties with China, as well as a revamp of the country's educational policies.
Liu said he had unveiled about 90 percent of the total Cabinet lineup, with the remaining appointees to be made public in the next few days.
Write to Tso Lon-di at mailto: londi@mail.gio.gov.tw