TAIWAN'S ruling Kuomintang (KMT) yesterday approved a major government reshuffle involving a dozen top officials which analysts say will boost the weakening party in the 1995 parliamentary and 1996 presidential elections.
The changes, to be effective today, cover the portfolios of defence, interior, economy, mainland affairs, labour and culture.
'I believe the reshuffle is a new milestone for us and a new start. I hope everyone can support the Government,' premier Lien Chan said.
Analysts said it would also help President Lee Teng-hui and Mr Lien, who is being groomed as a possible successor for Mr Lee, in the presidential poll.
'The reshuffle is basically a KMT deployment to secure its vote base for the future elections,' said Parris Chang, an opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmaker who heads the parliamentary foreign affairs committee.
'Except for three officials, all others are old faces, and many of them are placed in the position to help Mr Lee or his successor in the 1996 presidential elections.' Significantly, Interior Minister Wu Poh-hsiung, 55, who has strong influence in the ethnic Hakka group which makes up 30 per cent of Taiwan's 21 million people, was to become Secretary-General to the President.