Taiwan Candidate Apologizes for Bullying, Gambling; Critics Question Suitability

桃園市議員 candidate 佀廣洋 has issued an apology for past bullying incidents and admitted to participating in online gambling during high school. The apology, presented in a 17-point statement, addresses accusations ranging from name-calling and causing harm to classmates to pushing a student with Asperger's syndrome. He also acknowledged a past incident involving white glue at kindergarten, stating he had no memory but respected the classmate's feelings.

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black history is so much that it needs to be listed point by point to respond, and it involves gambling and referral to juvenile court. Can such a person still run for councilor? Does the Kuomintang want to continue to protect him to the end?

Most notably, 佀廣洋 confessed to online ball-board gambling during high school, which led to his referral to juvenile court. He stated his mother, legislator Wan Mei-ling, personally reported him to the police. He expressed regret for his "carelessness and misjudgment" at the time.

Taiwan Youth Democratic Association council member Chang Yu-meng criticized the extensive apology, calling it "groundbreaking" for needing 17 points to explain past actions. Chang questioned 佀廣洋's eligibility for public office, especially given the gambling conviction and the alleged bullying. He also pointed out that the apology came nearly three months after 佀廣洋 registered for the primary election, suggesting it was a reactive measure to quell escalating controversy.

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This matter I regret very much, and I feel even more sorry for my family, because of my carelessness and misjudgment.

Chang further questioned the Kuomintang's continued support for 佀廣洋, asking if the party would "continue to protect him to the end." He raised concerns about whether 佀廣洋 would have been a candidate without his mother's political influence, implying that his past actions might disqualify him from public service.

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I am truly dumbfounded! Many people will carefully recall if they have offended anyone or made wrong remarks before running for election, but I have never seen a candidate like 佀廣洋 who has offended everyone around him since kindergarten and continued to make mistakes in the next stage.