Ex-aide denies wrongdoing in handling of cash donations

A controversy has emerged regarding a sum of cash held by Hsiao Hsu-tsen, former CEO of the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation, after former National Security Council Secretary-General King Pu-tsung publicly questioned why the money was not deposited into the foundation's accounts. King Pu-tsung presented a photograph of Hsiao and Taiwanese businessman Han Ying-huan holding cash.

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I received the money that day and gave it to Wang Kuang-tzu, who handles finances, that evening.

Responding to the allegations on a radio program, Hsiao stated that he received the money on the day in question and promptly handed it over to Wang Kuang-tzu, who managed the foundation's finances. Hsiao asserted that he never discussed financial matters with former President Ma Ying-jeou directly. He recalled a meeting in March 2024 where Ma was asked how to handle such funds, and relevant information was provided to a three-person investigation team.

Hsiao explained that after the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation was established, colleagues often received small cash donations from supporters. He also mentioned that Ma himself sometimes presented cash, ranging from NT$100,000 to NT$300,000, during meals with female supporters. The standard procedure, Hsiao said, was to immediately give any received cash to Wang Kuang-tzu for proper accounting. Wang Kuang-tzu insisted that all donations to the foundation must be formally deposited, requiring the donor's ID and name for tax receipts.

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We had a meeting in March 2024 to ask President Ma how to handle it, and the information has been given to the three-person investigation team.

However, Hsiao noted that some donors preferred anonymity and did not wish to be listed. When colleagues inquired with Wang Kuang-tzu about handling these anonymous donations, the process became complicated, especially regarding depositing funds without clear identification. Hsiao further suggested that political pressure might be a reason why some Taiwanese businesspeople, fearing scrutiny after the election of President Lai Ching-te and the Democratic Progressive Party's continued rule, chose to donate directly to Ma Ying-jeou personally rather than the foundation. He criticized the use of suspicious language, such as referring to the money as "red money," and urged consideration of why these businesspeople felt unable to donate openly to the foundation.

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Our procedure is that as soon as we receive money, we must immediately hand it over to the colleague responsible for finance, Wang Kuang-tzu.

Hsiao concluded by stating his willingness to bear the consequences of this controversy but insisted that no Taiwanese businesspeople working in mainland China or supporters of Ma Ying-jeou should be stigmatized. He reiterated that Wang Kuang-tzu handled all of Ma's accounts, both personal and official, over the years, and he himself never discussed finances with Ma. Hsiao mentioned that in February 2024, Wang Kuang-tzu proposed returning donations for which receipts could not be issued. As Ma's presidential privileges were set to end, resulting in a significant financial difference, Wang suggested Hsiao inquire with Ma about how to proceed. This led to the discussion during the March 15, 2024 meeting, the records of which have been provided to the investigation team, leading Hsiao to believe they will conclude his innocence.

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Wang Kuang-tzu clearly told colleagues that if these funds are donated to the foundation, they must be deposited.