Wu Poh-hsiung

Wu Po-hsiung , is a politician in the Republic of China , is currently chairman of the Kuomintang . He previously served as Mayor of Taipei , interior minister of the Republic of China, and presidential secretary general .

Biography

Wu was born to a Hakka family in Chungli City, Taoyuan County, when Taiwan was still a Japanese colony, and received a bachelor degree in business administration from National Cheng Kapanese colony, and received a bachelor degree in business administration from National Cheng Kung ung University in 1962. He entered politics when he was elected into the Taiwan Provincial Council in the Taoyuan County electoral district from 1968 to 1972, and later Taoyuan County Magistrate from 1972 to 1976.

Wu was formerly the first vice-chairman of the main opposition Kuomintang party. After Chairman Ma Ying-jeou resigned, he became the acting chairman. Wu, however, subsequently resigned his post as acting chairman and member of the Central Standing Committee in order to compete in the chairman election scheduled for April 7, 2007. Ma announced his support for Wu for chairmanship.

Wu eventually won the party chairmanship election, garnering about 90% of votes cast, defeating KMT Legislator Hung Hsiu-chiu. Of all eligible voters, about 53% voted.

Outside politics, Wu is a practicing Buddhist and has proclaimed support for the Taiwan based Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order. Wu served as the second president of the Taiwan chapter of Buddha's Light International Association.