Only 119 lawmakers in the 221-member Legislature voted for the recall measure -- far short of the two-thirds majority -- 148 -- needed to pass the motion calling for a public referendum on whether to oust Chen. The ruling party's 86 members boycotted the vote.

The recall controversy erupted last month when Chen's son-in-law, Chao Chien-min, was arrested on suspicion of insider trading. First lady Wu Shu-chen has also been accused of illegal financial dealings. Both claims are being investigated.

Chen has not been directly linked to any wrongdoing, but the opposition claimed he has lost the public's confidence and should resign.

After the vote, Chen issued a statement saying, "I want to apologize again because my personal life caused such great controversy with such great social costs."

The Japan Times Weekly: July 1, 2006
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