TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Former President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) threw his support behind legislator Lo Chih-chiang (羅智強) for chairman of the Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨), Taiwan's main opposition party, on Tuesday (Sept. 16). Ma emphasized the urgent need for generational change within the party, praising Lo's extensive political experience while highlighting his humble origins as the son of a Keelung dockworker.
Ma released a video statement describing Lo as a loyal and principled figure who continued supporting recalled colleagues across Taiwan despite facing his own recall challenges. The former president highlighted Lo's crucial role since 2007 as a key aide, crediting him with helping secure two presidential election victories while gaining invaluable experience in campaigns, governance, party operations, and legislative affairs.
Ma identified Lo's strong digital platform presence as a key qualification for leading the KMT in the modern political landscape. The former president called on the party's older generation to transfer leadership to Lo and his contemporaries, voicing optimism about the KMT's potential return to governing Taiwan. ◼