Taiwanese legislator questions farmhouse, alleges political ties

A controversy has emerged in Hsinchu County, Taiwan, surrounding a farmhouse that People First Party legislator Lin Shuo-yen alleges may be an illegal structure and potentially linked to a political opponent. Lin Shuo-yen and a candidate for Zhubei City Representative, Li Hsin-ran, appeared at the site in Zhudong Township, holding banners that read "Farmhouse Illegal Construction."

Lin Shuo-yen stated that he received complaints about the property, suggesting it might violate building codes. He also pointed to rumors circulating that the land and building are connected to Cheng Chao-fang, who is reportedly considering a run for Hsinchu County Magistrate. Lin urged relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation.

Cheng Chao-fang's office spokesperson, Luo Tzu-huai, has denied any connection to the building. Meanwhile, the Zhudong Township Office has submitted photographic evidence and land registry documents to the Hsinchu County Government's Industrial Development Bureau for review. The county government confirmed that if violations of the Building Act are found, the owner will be issued a notice to apply for a building permit or face demolition.

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Regardless of the landowner's identity, the only standard is lawful administration.

This incident echoes broader concerns about illegal constructions and political transparency in Taiwan. Lin Shuo-yen referenced the cases of former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je and legislator Huang Kuo-chang, who he said "bravely faced and directly demolished" illegal structures. He contrasted this with the ongoing controversy surrounding President Lai Ching-te's "Lai Pi Liao" residence, implying a need for greater accountability from public figures and candidates.

Adding to the context, a report by Formosa TV chairman Wu Tzu-chia previously alleged that Cheng Chao-fang's family owns a luxury farmhouse in Zhudong with approximately 148 ping (about 489 square meters) of alleged illegal construction. Wu Tzu-chia has formally reported the matter to the Hsinchu County Government, further fueling the scrutiny of the property and its potential political connections.

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Cheng Chao-fang has no relationship with this building.