While the KMT firmly denies any link between King's resignation and his recent sparring with National Youth Commission Minister Wang Yu-ting, it is widely speculated that the well-publicized feud does have a "last straw effect" contributing to King's departure.

Observers speculate that King's resignation came after the firestorm over his confrontational manner in dealing with National Youth Commission Minister Wang Yu-ting, who was involved in the dispute that political officials refuse to run the election on the party's behalf.

King's harsh comments have offended many party members.

Rumors had it that high-ranking officials asked legislative speaker Wang Jin-pyng to run the legislative election.

The third political force, led by former President Lee Deng-hui, hopes Wang Jin-pyng can challenge President Ma Ying-jeou, on behalf of the local power in the upcoming presidential election.

King was also blamed for the controversy of the 18-percent preferential interest program which singles out KMT honorary chairman Lien Chan and the party's lawsuit against PFP chairman James Soong.

Although he played a major role in President Ma's successful campaigns for Taipei mayor and the presidential election, his performance as a KMT secretary-general was not as good as expected, since the KMT saw constant failures in recent elections.

While the party managed to keep three seats in the most important five municipalities' elections, the total vote-count was in the DPP's favor.

Since the KMT lost a big time in Southern Taiwan, party members believe it was resulted from King's unwillingness to negotiate with party factions.

With the reshuffle, president Ma Ying-jeou hopes to mend the relations with Wang Jin-pyng and begins his re-election bid in advanced.