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TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) - The disciplinary panel of Taiwan's ruling party has suspended the veteran legislative speaker, a move that portends potential problems for the China-friendly approach of President Ma Ying-jeou.
Spurred on by Ma, Wednesday's decision against Wang Jin-pyng effectively strips him of his job and legislative seat. It follows claims by special prosecutors that Wang and former Justice Minister Tseng Yung-fu pressured prosecutorial officials not to appeal the acquittal of an opposition lawmaker on breach of trust charges. Tseng resigned under pressure from Ma on Friday.
Ma's moves to oust Wang have provoked deep resentment among many Nationalists, who say the president is engaged in a personal vendetta. Any Nationalist split could aid the return to power of the China-wary opposition in 2016 elections, by diluting Nationalist strength.
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