TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Former Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou, on Friday (Nov. 10), expressed his support for the idea that Kuomintang (KMT) presidential hopeful Hou Yu-ih and Taiwan People's Party (TPP) presidential hopeful Ko Wen-je resolve their collaobration through public polling.
This proposal comes amid speculation that Hsiao Bi-khim, Taiwan's representative to the U.S., might become Lai Ching-te's running mate. Ko has stated his willingness to resume cross-party discussions if Hou and the KMT agree to a merger decided by public polling.
However, the KMT insists that the polling must reflect both individual opinions and the party's spirit to maintain the integrity of the KMT-TPP alliance. This stance has led to challenging negotiations, which are close to collapsing.
Hsu-tsen Hsiao, director of the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation, relayed Ma's views to Hou and the KMT's central committee, emphasizing the risk of substantial losses in the presidential and legislative elections if the KMT fails to unite against the DPP.
Former Kaohsiung Mayor Han Kuo-yu also backs Ma's proposal, highlighting the strength in unity and the risks of division.
