The opposition placed heavy restrictions on the new law

President Chen Shui-bian's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) wanted the law passed, but has turned against it after opposition amendments watered it down.

Cabinet official Hsu Chih-hsiung said the government planned to try to repeal the law, passed on 27 November.

"The law passed by the legislature twisted the original. There are contradictions, he said.

Details of the proposed repeal are expected to be announced on Wednesday.

The government needs at least 112 votes in the 223-seat legislature to repeal a bill. But the DPP and its political ally, Taiwan Solidarity Union, hold only 100 seats, making any changes difficult.

President Chen had pushed for a law which gave the government the right to call referendums, which could include the issue of Taiwan's sovereignty. China currently considers the island part of its territory.

But the opposition succeeded in pushing through clauses which weakened the president's powers.

Under the law, people and the Legislature have the right to propose referendums, but the president can only do so in the event of attack by a foreign power.

Mr Hsu said the bill gave too much power to the legislature and not enough to the people.

"I think in our lawmaking history, it would be impossible to find a law that has so many problems and is so ridiculous," he said.