KMT Officials Urge Chairwoman Jaw Shaw-kong to Focus on Local Elections Amidst Controversy

Kuomintang (KMT) party officials are urging party chairwoman Jaw Shaw-kong to keep the focus squarely on the upcoming local elections, expressing concern that her recent public statements are creating unnecessary distractions. The party is preparing to nominate candidates for key mayoral and county magistrate positions in the nine-in-one elections, with a major rally planned for later this month.

Jaw's recent participation in a local party event in Taichung, alongside Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen and mayoral candidate Chiang Chi-chen, became a focal point. While the event was intended to boost local candidates, Jaw reportedly spent a significant portion of her speech discussing her cross-strait policies, her recent visit to China, and even shared anecdotes about avoiding dementia during her US trip. These topics have been criticized by party insiders as irrelevant to the immediate electoral goals.

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Are we electing county mayors or the president this year? Are you campaigning for yourself or creating an opening for the Democratic Progressive Party to exploit?

Some party members are particularly irked by Jaw's comments about the KMT having many "suns," implying a strong pool of presidential candidates. This has led to speculation about her own presidential ambitions for 2028, with critics suggesting she is using the current platform for self-promotion. "Are we electing county mayors or the president this year?" one anonymous party official questioned. "Are you campaigning for yourself or creating an opening for the Democratic Progressive Party to exploit?"

Concerns have been raised that Jaw's remarks, especially those referencing Chinese leader Xi Jinping and former US President Donald Trump, could inadvertently benefit the ruling party. While Jaw did not mention Xi Jinping at the Taichung event, her continued focus on unrelated international affairs and personal experiences is seen as a misstep. "The focus should be on the elections, on helping the 'mother hen' lift the 'chicks,' not on constantly promoting yourself," a KMT legislator reportedly stated, urging Jaw to refrain from discussing topics that could blur the electoral focus.

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The focus should be on the elections, on helping the 'mother hen' lift the 'chicks,' not on constantly promoting yourself.