Taiwan's largest opposition party, the Kuomintang, yesterday refused to join a broad-based alliance proposed by the ruling party after suffering a humiliating defeat in Saturday's elections, losing its control in the Legislative Yuan. The KMT said it would seek stronger ties with the People First Party (PFP) to form a united front to counter the influence of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party. Together, the KMT and PFP hold 114 seats in the legislature - more than those held by the DPP and its allies. 'We have already decided not to participate in the national stability alliance,' KMT spokesman Wang Chih-kang said in a reference to a proposal from President Chen Shui-bian. Although Mr Wang said it was normal for ruling and opposition parties to work together, he indicated that the KMT preferred the PFP. Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou, a rising star in the KMT, said yesterday he would submit a proposal on co-operation between the KMT and PFP to a party meeting on Wednesday. On Saturday, the KMT lost its 55-year long dominance in the legislature and its number of seats there dropped to 68. It had 110 seats before the election. The DPP won 87 seats and became the biggest political party in the legislature but still lacks majority control. Despite the KMT's refusal to join the alliance, DPP chairman Frank Hsieh Chang-ting was hopeful the President would be able to forge one. As the DPP-friendly Taiwan Solidarity Union won 13 seats, the DPP only needs an additional 13 seats to form a majority in the legislature. The second largest opposition party, the PFP yesterday kept the door open for allying with the DPP. 'We will communicate and exchange opinions with our fellow legislators and make the decision,' said Chin Chin-sheng, deputy secretary-general of the party. The latest manoeuvring came as the KMT struggled to hold together after losing its control. Failure to form a united front with the PFP could cost it dearly - not only would it split the opposition camp but the DPP would also try to divide the KMT further by luring rebellious members away. Yesterday, Mr Hsieh hinted the DPP might use the Speaker's post as a bargaining chip in its efforts to make the opposition parties join Mr Chen's proposed national stability alliance.
