A special investigation committee was set up here Tuesday to investigate the controversial shooting on March 19 before the last Taiwan leader election, pressured by intense public demand to know the truth of the incident.

Incumbent Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian Tuesday announced the establishment of the committee, which he said was not under any department of the current administration and would consist of 11 to 13 members. He also said the committee would have members from both the legislative and the supervisory branches of the government.

Some people in Taiwan said that the formation of the committee was no more than a posture of Chen Shui-bian to fend off criticism and doubts of opposition parties and the public. As a non-governmental organization, public opinion and critics said it would be totally impossible to get the confidential information needed.

On March 19, the eve of the Taiwan leader election, candidate Chen Shui-bian and his running mate Lu Hsiu-lien were mysteriously shot while campaigning. The incident is widely believed to have influenced the outcome of the election.

Source: Xinhua