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'Since Mr Ma wants an answer by today, I am afraid I have to turn down his offer.' - PARLIAMENT SPEAKER WANG JIN-PYNG on his decision
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IN TAIPEI - ENDING months of speculation, Taiwan's Parliament Speaker Wang Jin-pyng yesterday formally rejected an offer from the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) to be its vice-presidential candidate.
The decision has raised concerns of a widening rift within the KMT that could undermine its chances in the presidential polls next March.
Mr Wang's decision ended nearly three months of political dithering over the choice of running mate for the KMT's presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou.
Mr Wang, 66, said yesterday that he would be too preoccupied with legislative matters in the coming weeks to consider a joint ticket.
'Since Mr Ma wants an answer by today, I am afraid I have to turn down his offer,' he said after a closed-door meeting with Mr Ma, 56, a former Taipei mayor. But he expressed support for Mr Ma's presidential bid.
The former Taipei mayor said yesterday that he was 'disappointed but respected' Mr Wang's decision.
He said he would embark on a search for alternative candidates.
Possible choices cited by the local media include KMT secretary-general Wu Den-yih, former education minister Tseng Chih-lang, former interior minister Chang Po-yah and KMT lawmaker Lee Jih-chu.
Mr Ma is expected to pick a running mate when the KMT holds its party convention on June 24.
Its supporters have expressed impatience over the party's delay in fielding a strong team to take on the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in the presidential race.
Mr Frank Hsieh, who is running on the DPP ticket, is seen as a formidable opponent known for his campaigning and political skills.
Mr Ma, who announced his presidential bid in February, had indicated that he would approach Mr Wang to be his deputy.
After several rounds of negotiation, the Parliament Speaker remained coy on whether he would take up the offer.
He was pressured into making a decision yesterday after Mr Ma issued an ultimatum.
Speculation was rife that Mr Wang was trying to buy time because he himself has his sights set on the presidency.
Some observers say he is hoping to substitute Mr Ma as the KMT presidential candidate in the event that the latter is convicted of embezzlement charges.
Mr Ma is on trial on charges that he misused a special fund during his eight-year tenure as Taipei Mayor.
He has denied the charges.
A verdict is expected as early as September.
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