Taiwan Opposition Demands Transparency in Ex-Official's Release, Debt Recovery

Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party has sharply criticized the release of former Taiwan Sugar Corporation (TSC) chairman Wu Nai-jen after only 12 days of detention. Wu was initially ordered detained in relation to a NT$170 million claim by TSC, but his subsequent release has fueled accusations of political favoritism by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

The KMT convened a press conference to outline three demands: "public transparency, deadline for recovery, and equal treatment." Legislator Lin Pei-hsiang stated that the party is not seeking to convict anyone but is asking critical questions about the withdrawal of Wu's detention order. He questioned the legal basis for the decision and demanded to know who authorized it and if a written repayment agreement exists.

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Why did TSC withdraw the detention? What is the legal basis? Second, are you still pursuing this state asset of over NT$170 million? Third, the DPP constantly calls for judicial independence and fairness, but why does it seem like your own people are treated lightly while others are treated harshly?

"This is not about celebrating anyone's innocence, but asking three questions for the people," Lin said. "First, why did TSC withdraw the detention? What is the legal basis? Second, are you still pursuing this state asset of over NT$170 million? Third, the DPP constantly calls for judicial independence and fairness, but why does it seem like your own people are treated lightly while others are treated harshly?"

KMT legislator Lo Chih-chiang echoed these sentiments, questioning the collateral Wu provided for his release and whether others would receive similar treatment. He pointed to Wu's previous policy change as TSC chairman, which allegedly led to losses of over NT$200 million from the sale of TSC land, resulting in his conviction for breach of trust. "No wonder there's a saying online, 'To be rich and powerful, you need help; to get a card, get this one,'" Lo remarked, implying the DPP party membership offers undue advantages.

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No wonder there's a saying online, 'To be rich and powerful, you need help; to get a card, get this one,'

Legislator Wang Hung-wei further criticized the situation, calling it a "perfect demonstration" of how useful a DPP party membership can be. She highlighted that the current TSC chairman, Wu Ming-chang, previously served as the executive director of President Lai's support group in Pingtung County. Wang alleged that TSC has a history of political appointments, citing previous chairmen like Kung Chao-sheng and Yu Cheng-hsien, who had no prior connection to TSC but were appointed to lead the state-owned enterprise, characterizing TSC as "completely green" and a site of "rewarding cronies."

The KMT's demands include an immediate public explanation from TSC regarding the decision-making process for withdrawing Wu's detention, including the signatory and legal basis. They also require a clear plan and timeline for recovering the NT$170 million debt, with a commitment to re-initiate legal proceedings if negotiations by July 20 fail. Finally, they urged the relevant authorities to guarantee that state-owned enterprises will pursue claims against debtors, regardless of their status or political connections, upholding the law for the public interest.

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The DPP constantly calls for judicial independence and fairness, but why does it seem like your own people are treated lightly while others are treated harshly?