Tzu Chi Defrauded in Vaccine Purchase; Ko Wen-je Slams Ruling Party

Taiwan People's Party founder Ko Wen-je has strongly criticized the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) regarding the Tzu Chi Foundation's procurement of COVID-19 vaccines. Ko expressed frustration that private organizations were compelled to purchase vaccines when the central government possessed a substantial special budget.

During an event unveiling service centers for his party, Ko addressed media inquiries about Tzu Chi's alleged fraud in vaccine purchases. He questioned the government's actions, stating, "If the government had money, why did it let Tzu Chi, Foxconn, and TSMC buy vaccines?" He pointed out that during the pandemic's peak, the DPP government had an NT$880 billion special budget but failed to secure sufficient vaccines, masks, or rapid test kits.

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If the government had money, why did it let Tzu Chi, Foxconn, and TSMC buy vaccines?

Ko accused the DPP of hypocrisy, particularly for mocking Tzu Chi after the foundation was reportedly defrauded. "You didn't buy them, forcing everyone into a corner, and now you mock Tzu Chi for being scammed. Wang Ba Dan!" he exclaimed, using a strong Taiwanese insult. He argued that if the government had handled the procurement itself, such issues would not have arisen. Ko concluded by urging the DPP not to treat the Taiwanese public as fools.

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You didn't buy them, forcing everyone into a corner, and now you mock Tzu Chi for being scammed. Wang Ba Dan!