Taiwan has lost one of its longest-serving lawmakers, a KMT veteran remembered for a folksy line about patience in politics.

• Jao Yung-chi, former deputy speaker of the Legislative Yuan, died at his family home in Taitung's Beinan township at 93.
• He served 24 years as a lawmaker across eight terms and ran the KMT's legislative caucus as chief whip, steering major bills.
• He worked alongside former president Lee Teng-hui for 12 years and helped carry out the downsizing of Taiwan's provincial government.
• His best-known saying — that whoever waits long enough under the opera stage will get the spot — became shorthand for his patient, seniority-respecting style.
• His daughter Jao Ching-ling is the current Taitung county magistrate; a rival from an opposing party also paid tribute, saying their fights never damaged the friendship.

Outlook: The family is keeping arrangements low-key, with a memorial hall opening in Chulu for friends and relatives to pay respects.