Facebook Page Reposting Official's Dining Photo Backfires, Faces Online Backlash

A prominent local Facebook page, "I Am Zhongli People," found itself under fire after reposting a photograph of Administrative Deputy Minister Chen Shih-chung dining out. The image was originally shared by Taipei City Councilor Lee Ming-hsien, who criticized Chen for attending social events while a carcinogenic oil scandal was unfolding.

Lee Ming-hsien accused the government of being disorganized in its response to the toxic oil incident. He shared the photo on January 22, suggesting Chen's attendance at social gatherings was inappropriate given the public health crisis. The councilor implied that the government's handling of the scandal was chaotic, using the phrase "screws dropped all over the floor."

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running dog

However, when "I Am Zhongli People" amplified Lee's post, the reaction from netizens was not what the page might have expected. Instead of focusing their criticism on Chen Shih-chung or the government's handling of the oil scandal, many users turned their attention to the Facebook page itself. The page was accused of being a "running dog" for the opposition party and of attempting to stir up trouble.

The backlash suggests a public weariness with political infighting during crises. While the original intent may have been to highlight official misconduct, the reposting of the image by the popular local page inadvertently shifted the focus. Instead of fueling outrage against the government, it sparked a debate about the page's own motives and tactics, turning a planned political attack into an embarrassing misfire for the social media group.

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screws dropped all over the floor