A special investigation committee is being set up in Taipei to
investigate the controversial election-eve shooting of Chen
Shui-bian and his running mate, Lu Hsiu-lien, on March 19.
Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian announced the establishment of the
committee on Tuesday. He said it will be independent of any
department under the current administration and will comprise 11 to
13 members. He also said the committee would include members from
both the legislative and supervisory branches of the
government.
There are widespread doubts about the validity of the committee,
with some saying that its formation is no more than posturing to
fend off criticism from opposition parties and the public. As a
non-governmental organization, it will not have access to the
confidential information needed to conduct a thorough
investigation.
On March 19, the eve of the hotly contested election of the
Taiwan leader, incumbent Chen Shui-bian and his running mate Lu
Hsiu-lien were shot and slightly wounded while campaigning. The
incident is widely believed to have influenced the outcome of the
election.
(Xinhua News Agency July 7, 2004)