Vice President Vincent Siew (蕭萬長) announced yesterday that he would not be President Ma Ying-jeou’s (馬英九) running mate for January’s presidential election.
Ma said he respects Siew’s decision and he would announce his new running mate before June 25, when the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) is to hold a plenary session.
Siew promised to do his best as Ma’s deputy for the remainder of their term, which expires in May next year. He also said he would help Ma’s re-election campaign.
The presidential election will be held alongside the legislative elections on Jan. 14.
In a statement, Siew, 72, said he decided to serve just one term as vice president so that more duties could be transferred to the next generation. He said he wanted Ma to have a free hand in choosing a younger candidate.
Ma needs a second term to complete his mission to build a peaceful and stable cross-strait relationship, and to keep Taiwan’s economy on a growth path, Siew said.
“I urge my fellow countrymen to give President Ma your warm support,” Siew said.
Ma issued a statement thanking Siew for helping him bring down the unemployment rate, achieve the highest economic growth in 23 years last year, develop the six strategic “emerging industries” and sign a landmark economic pact with China.
Siew has been an “architect” of the government’s financial and economic policies, Ma said, and he himself had benefited a great deal from Siew’s “wise recommendations.” He said he would continue to seek Siew’s advice even after the vice president retires.
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