Taiwan Nixes 'Jeremy Lin Party'

Taiwanese authorities have rejected an application to set up a new political party named after Asian-American basketball hero Jeremy Lin, officials said Monday.

The "Jeremy Lin Party", jointly endorsed by 30 people as required by Taiwan law, was turned down by the interior ministry's Department of Civil Affairs.

"According to the law, no political party is allowed to use an individual's name as it may mislead the public," Lin Ching-chi, deputy chief of the department, told Agence France Presse.

Officials said the party had mainly aimed to pursue the goal of free health care for everyone on the island.

Taiwan has a plethora of small parties, with the 230th approved earlier this month.

Lin, whose parents are from Taiwan, shot to stardom and sparked the "Linsanity" phenomenon last season with the New York Knicks, thrilling fans with his clutch shooting and passing skills.

The 23-year-old is now with the Houston Rockets after signing a three-year, $25 million contract.