Foxconn Chief Gou Rules Out Taiwan Presidency Run

Taiwan's richest man Terry Gou ruled out running as an independent candidate in the upcoming presidential election late on Monday, ending months of speculation that he might throw his hat into the ring.

The island will vote for a new president and parliament in January elections set to be dominated by relations with Beijing.

Rumours that Gou – who made his billions as the head of the world's largest electronics manufacturer Foxconn – might join the race caused a major stir.

Earlier this year, he announced the Goddess Matsu had told him to run and he stood in the primaries for the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party.

But he lost to Han Kuo-yu, a populist outsider who boasts a loyal base but has struggled to gain widespread appeal since winning his party's ticket.

With Han flailing, signs pointed towards Gou running as an independent.

Last Thursday, he quit the KMT, a party he had spent 49 years with, and rounded on his old allies, calling them "corrupt" and a "platform for personal gain and power".

The departure sent speculation soaring that Gou would make a bid.

But late on Monday, on the eve of the deadline for candidates to register, he issued a statement saying he would not run.

"This decision was not because of anyone's persuasion or influence but because after thinking it over, I felt we all need to return to rationality and policy discussions when choosing our next leader," Gou said.

His departure now means Han will face off against President Tsai Ing-wen of the Democratic Progressive Party, who is seeking a second term. (AFP)