Critics say move will only create more friction
Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang and its People First Party (PFP) splinter group have agreed to form an alliance and co-operate in fielding a common list of candidates for December's legislative election.
But the move has been criticised by most KMT legislators, who say it threatens to cause more conflicts and problems for the island's biggest opposition party and puts a damper on its poll chances.
During a satellite videoconference yesterday, KMT chairman Ma Ying-jeou and his PFP counterpart, James Soong Chu-yu, signed an agreement calling for closer co-operation on policies, tactics in the legislature and elections.
'The signing of the agreement not only marks the beginning of future co-operation between the KMT and the PFP, but also represents a milestone in Taiwan's democratic history,' Mr Ma said during the videoconference in Taipei.
He said the formation of the alliance was aimed at establishing a stronger opposition more capable of exercising checks and balances on the government. 'It will help develop a rational and moderate strength in Taiwan,' he added.