Lawmaker Criticized for Cutting Funds for Vulnerable Groups, Suggests President Crowdfund

A proposal by Kuomintang legislator Hung Yu-ling to eliminate NT$30 million from the Presidential Office's "State Affairs Fund" has ignited a firestorm of online criticism. The fund, intended for purchasing holiday gift boxes from sheltered workshops to comfort vulnerable groups and remote areas, was overwhelmingly passed by the ruling and opposition parties, despite explanations from Presidential Office Secretary-General Ho Chi-wei.

“

Lai Ching-te, with an annual income of tens of millions, can't afford to buy mooncakes for the vulnerable! The Presidential Office loves to 'emotionally blackmail.'

Ho had appealed during a party caucus negotiation, explaining that a significant portion of the budget was allocated to procure pastries and gift boxes from sheltered workshops for over 357 institutions. He emphasized that these vulnerable groups and remote areas require state attention and that supporting them is a practice followed by past presidents. He pleaded for the proposal to be reconsidered, stating it was not intended to pressure anyone but rather to provide essential support.

“

If there are real difficulties, Yu-ling suggests a few approaches: First, immediately announce the long-delayed five legal cases and the Taiwan Future Account Bill, and quickly submit the list of grand justice nominees. Once these are completed, the NT$20 million in State Affairs funds will be unfrozen.

Facing public backlash for being labeled a "public enemy of the vulnerable," Hung took to social media to counter-accuse the Lai Ching-te administration of "using public funds for charity." She suggested that if the President wished to assist vulnerable groups, he should use his personal finances or initiate a crowdfunding campaign. Hung drew a parallel to Chen Shu-chu, a respected Taiwanese philanthropist who earned millions selling vegetables and donated it all to charity, contrasting this with Lai's alleged reluctance to spend his own money on such causes.

“

You delete the budget, but you don't pay yourself? How dare you mention Chen Shu-chu? Disgusting!

Netizens reacted with fury to Hung's statements. Many condemned her proposal, questioning her motives and her comparison to Chen Shu-chu. Comments ranged from calling her "disgusting" and "sick" to accusing her of lacking basic knowledge about presidential salaries and the importance of government support for disadvantaged communities. The criticism highlighted the perceived insensitivity of cutting funds designated for vulnerable populations and sheltered workshops, with many expressing anger at her approach to political maneuvering.

“

This idea is too terrifying. It's okay for you to use budget cuts to achieve your goals, but can you not cut the money for buying mooncakes?