TAIPEI Taiwan President Chen Shui-Bian defended Premier Tang Fei on Wednesday from mounting criticism from a leader of Chen's own party, saying he was confident Tang would push through political and economic reforms.
"I have confidence in Premier Tang's resolve," Chen told a meeting of prosecutors in Taipei.
Chen said he had "great expectations" that Tang would do his job well and urged the public to give the embattled premier their support.
Wu Nan-Jen, the secretary general of Chen's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lashed out at Tang for a second day on Tuesday, saying the premier, a stalwart of the rival Nationalist Party, was not resolute enough in carrying out reforms.
Chen was swept to power in March presidential elections, but had to turn Tang to form what he calls "a government of all the people" because the Nationalists still dominate Parliament.
Wu, flanked by DPP leaders, publicly apologized to Tung at a news conference on Wednesday, saying the comments had been his personal opinion, not the party's.
But his criticisms have sparked speculation that the honeymoon between the president and the premier was over and heightened concerns in financial markets about the new government's economic policies.
The pro-independence DPP needs Tang, a retired general, because he is acceptable to Beijing and Taiwan's armed forces, both of which are opposed to statehood for the island. Beijing has threatened to attack if the island declares independence.
Tang had offered to resign last month over a bungled river rescue that sparked national outrage, but stayed on after his deputy took the fall.
If Tang quit, the entire cabinet would have to resign en masse, creating a crisis for Chen.
Under Taiwan's political system, the president is elected by popular ballot and names a premier, who in turn forms a cabinet which answers to Parliament.
Honeymoon Over? Tang, who underwent surgery in May, was admitted to hospital for a check-up on Wednesday and made no public comments.
On Tuesday, Wu told reporters he was disappointed with Tang, saying his lack of resolve and determination would haunt the DPP in parliamentary elections next year.
"Two months have passed and we have not seen any reforms taking place. There has been no action, not even any reform ideas," wu said.
"All we can do is to endure the situation and wait for the change," he said.
"As far as the DPP is concerned this is a major problem. The party is virtually powerless in formulating policy and carrying out policy, but it has to shoulder all political responsibility." DPP Chairman Frank Hsieh said Wu's comments did not represent the party's view.
Chen has dismissed speculation that Tang is a transitional figure, saying there is no fixed term for the premier and members of his cabinet if they performed well.
(Reuter)