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)