(Updated 16:19) Han Kuo-yu, general manager of Taipei Agricultural Products Marketing Corporation, announced his resignation and entry into the Kuomintang (KMT) chairmanship race, adding further uncertainty to an already complex election, creating a four-way contest for the party’s top post. One of the contenders, KMT Vice Chairman Hao Long-bin, visited the Sanqing Temple in Dongshan Township, Yilan County, today (12th). While praising Han’s capabilities, Hao also emphasized that this election is about “brothers climbing a mountain must strive on their own.”
Hao Long-bin has been visiting rural areas in recent days to seek grassroots support, having traveled to Yilan twice within three days. In addition to Hao, other contenders include former Vice President Wu Den-yih, current KMT Chairwoman Hung Hsiu-chu, and Han Kuo-yu, who just resigned to run. After visiting the Sanqing Temple, Hao appeared relaxed and spoke openly to the media, with much focus on the impact of Han Kuo-yu’s candidacy.
Hao Long-bin said that during his time as Taipei mayor, he worked very pleasantly with Han Kuo-yu, who was then general manager of Taipei Agricultural Products Marketing Corporation. He also knows that Han has endured a lot of grievances recently at the corporation. Regarding Han’s resignation to run for office, “I also wholeheartedly wish him well.” He said Han is passionate and idealistic, and he agrees with many of the suggestions and policies Han has proposed for the party.
Hao Long-bin emphasized that the two share very similar views on handling party assets, ensuring the KMT remains strong while in opposition, and the need to deepen grassroots engagement... Many people are running for KMT chairmanship, which he sees as a positive sign, reflecting a shared and unwavering sense of mission. As for concerns that young voters might be drawn to other candidates, Hao stressed that he will actively seek support from all sectors and social strata.
Following the election of Donald Trump as U.S. president, the movements of Foxconn Chairman Terry Gou have drawn considerable attention. Asked whether he supports Gou running for president, Hao Long-bin first emphasized that the most important quality for a party chairman is “selflessness.” Under that premise, the goal is to find the strongest and best candidate. The KMT must first win the 2018 local elections, and hopes to return to power in the 2020 presidential election.
Hao Long-bin said that currently, many pan-blue supporters feel that Terry Gou running for president would be the most popular choice. His own stance is, “Whoever is the strongest and most likely to win the presidency at that time, I will support.”
(China Times)