TAIPEI (Taiwan News) -- Kaohsiung Mayor Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) said at a press conference today in Kaohsiung that he is not yet ready to participate in the Kuomingtang's (KMT's) primary "under the current system," but he hinted at a bid for the Taiwan presidency.
At 11 a.m. today in Kaohsiung, Han said that he wants to help Taiwan in order to help Kaohsiung improve, but he is not going to participate in the KMT's primary in its current form. He expressed his disapproval of the "closed-door negotiations" used by the KMT and called for reform within the party.
However, he did seem to indicate a wish to negotiate with the KMT on the matter more fully. During the statement, Han said that he is "willing to take responsibility" for the development of Taiwan, possibly hinting at an intention to run for the Taiwan presidency.
The following are the five major points listed by Han at the press conference:
1. First of all, I would like to express my deep gratitude to the friends at home and abroad who have come all the way to encourage, support, and cherish Han Kuo-yu.
2. During my time as mayor of Kaohsiung, I deeply realized that only when Taiwan is good, can Kaohsiung be better. Only when Taiwan can change, can I really effect change in Kaohsiung.
3. As for the Kuomingtang presidential primary for 2020, at this moment, I am unable to participate in the primary election under the current system.
4. For a long time, political leaders have preferred closed-door negotiations, distancing them further and further away from the people. Taiwan is in urgent need of political reform. I hope that high level-members of the party will be able to appreciate public opinion, pay attention to the pulse of society, attach importance to the common people's economy, and never forget the many hardworking people in the world.
5. I was born in Taiwan, grew up in Taiwan, will die in Taiwan, and will be buried in Taiwan in the future. I love the Republic of China [Taiwan], and am willing to take responsibility for the development and protection of the Republic of China, regardless of personal gains and losses. I only wish to be able to change Taiwan. May God bless the people of Taiwan and the Republic of China.
