ROC President Ma Ying-jeou named Wu Den-yih as his running mate for the 2012 presidential election June 19, attempting to capitalize on the incumbent premier’s popularity with voters in southern Taiwan.
“After soliciting opinions from many people on this matter, I chose Wu as my running mate,” Ma said during a news conference in Taipei. “His administrative capabilities and empathy for the people make him the perfect choice.”
Describing the decision as in the best interests of Taiwan, Ma praised Wu for his exceptional leadership and proficiency in tackling tough issues such as post-Typhoon Morakot reconstruction, the H1N1 virus outbreak and unemployment.
“Wu’s years spent as Taipei City councilor, Nantou County magistrate, Kaohsiung mayor and Legislative Yuan lawmaker have given him the ability to gauge public sentiment and assess the needs of the people,” Ma said.
In response, Wu compared his selection as the Kuomintang vice presidential candidate to undertaking an important battlefield mission. “A good soldier never chooses his battles and, rest assured, I’ll do my utmost in assisting Ma to win the presidential contest,” he said.
According to Ma, Wu will remain as premier unless the demands of campaigning prove overly time consuming.
Vice President Vincent C. Siew, who decided not to seek re-election in late May, attended the Ma-Wu news conference in a show of support for the new team.
The president took the opportunity to praise Siew for his contributions in mapping out Taiwan’s economic policies over the past three years. “If re-elected, I will continue consulting with Siew and seeking his advice on economic and financial issues,” Ma said.
The next presidential contest is set for Jan. 14, 2012, with Ma and Wu facing a determined challenge from Tsai Ing-wen, chairwoman of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party. Tsai is yet to name her running mate.
Write to Elaine Hou at elainehou@mail.gio.gov.tw