Kaohsiung Mayoral Candidate Ko Chih-en Rejects Link to Controversial Legislator

Kaohsiung mayoral candidate Ko Chih-en has strongly refuted claims circulating online that a vote for her supports legislator Weng Hsiao-ling. Ko, a candidate for the Kuomintang party, countered by stating that voting for her opponent, Lai Jui-lung, means supporting the 'New Tide' faction.

Ko emphasized that while Weng Hsiao-ling might not join the Kaohsiung city government, the 'New Tide' faction, which Lai Jui-lung is associated with, could potentially gain significant influence within the city administration. She posed the question of which scenario presents a more serious concern for Kaohsiung.

The controversy ignited following Weng Hsiao-ling's proposal to cut and freeze the discretionary funds of the presidential office and the premier's salary. This move drew sharp criticism, particularly for its potential impact on social welfare groups' ability to procure essential items like Mid-Autumn Festival gift boxes.

Ko Chih-en asserted that she and Weng Hsiao-ling are distinct individuals. She reiterated her argument that the potential dominance of the 'New Tide' faction in the city government is a more pressing issue than any association with Weng's legislative actions.