Tzu Chi defrauded of NT$1.06 billion in BNT vaccine purchase; former legislator reveals 'secret meeting' details

Taiwan's Tzu Chi Foundation lost NT$1.06 billion in a fraudulent scheme during its attempt to purchase BNT vaccines amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Former legislator Chuang Ching-chun revealed details of a "secret meeting" he claims to have attended with Chiang Wan-an, who was then a legislator and convenor of the Legislative Yuan's Health and Welfare Committee.

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In the meeting, they could not raise any doubts that would overturn the facts.

According to Chuang, then-Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung explained the government's vaccine procurement progress and difficulties during this meeting. Chuang stated that Chen detailed the global vaccine shortage, intense international competition, and diplomatic pressures faced by the government. He asserted that no one at the meeting could refute the facts presented.

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It is regrettable that after leaving the meeting room, some people began to spread statements outside that 'the government is blocking vaccine procurement' and 'the government is unwilling to buy vaccines.'

However, Chuang expressed regret that after the meeting, some individuals allegedly spread rumors that the government was obstructing vaccine procurement. He criticized this as turning public health into a political battleground, ignoring the realities of the procurement challenges that were understood in the secret meeting. Chuang emphasized that the pandemic should unite the nation, not divide it, and that honesty is crucial for public trust.

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The pandemic does not distinguish between blue and green (political parties); facing national crisis, the people need unity and trust, not to create division even after knowing the truth.

Chiang Wan-an, now the mayor of Taipei, had previously been critical of the government's restrictions on private vaccine procurement. His past remarks, such as questioning whether to trust Tzu Chi or the Democratic Progressive Party, and criticizing Chen Shih-chung for alleged "difficulties and obstructions," have resurfaced. In response to the fraud incident, Chiang stated, "The government bought enough vaccines at the time, so the private sector didn't need to purchase them."

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Responsible politicians can certainly supervise the government and demand accountability, but they absolutely cannot use the people's safety for political manipulation.