Many illegal structures of politicians from across the spectrum — from Taiwan-Japan Relations Association Chairman Su Jia-chyuan (蘇嘉全) of the Democratic Progressive Party to former Chinese National Party (KMT) legislator Yen Kuan-heng (顏寬恆) and former Kaohsiung mayor Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) of the KMT — were built three or four decades after Taiwan’s democratization.
KMT Taipei City Councilor Lee Po-yi (李柏毅) has never said such buildings should be demolished. If he has, it would be interesting to see him provide evidence.
Why is Lee criticizing the “illegal” construction of Vice President William Lai’s (賴清德) family home, built during Lai’s childhood?
Lee’s comments betray an unconscionable double standard. If he cares so much about legal property, he should consider Chiang Kai-shek’s (蔣介石) 49 guesthouses — all illegal structures built on state land.
Does Lee want to play a game of chronological sophistry in looking past these contradictions? Or would he contend that not all “existing illegal structures” are built equal?
Illegally built villas, irrespective of their owners’ political affiliation, involve the abuse of power — something entirely different from a family home built on mining land by Lai’s father when Lai himself was a small child. Such homes were built by poor families trying to shelter themselves — a basic need for survival. The two are not even remotely comparable.
It is difficult to understand why so many people could be swept up in this nonsense. How can they keep mouthing off with so little regard for the truth, entirely devoid of shame or conscience?
Lee should be ashamed of his comments and for propagating lies. It is hard to see how he can continue to look voters in the eye after the rubbish he uttered.
Ten Len-phone is a retired radio host.
Translated by Chien Yan-ru
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