The ongoing probe into the alleged abduction of KMT lawmaker Huang Hsien-chou (黃顯洲) has cast a shadow on his squeaky-clean image.
Described by colleagues as cautious, gentle and low key, Huang, 43, jolted the nation on Jan. 2 when he revealed during a news conference that he had been kidnapped by underworld figures between Dec. 27 and Dec. 31.
TAIPEI TIMES FILE PHOTO
He rolled up his sleeves to show what he claimed were wounds inflicted by his kidnappers in a hotel room at the Grand Hyatt Taipei, where he says he was drugged, tied up, held at gun point and robbed of NT$800,000 in cash.
The departing lawmaker linked the mishap to his attempt to mediate a financial dispute on behalf of a constituent. But investigators have called Huang's testimony into question, noting that a hotel room is a peculiar locus for extending such assistance.
KMT legislator Apollo Chen (陳學聖), who belongs to the party's Reformist faction, of which Huang is also a member, painted his colleague as a serious, compassionate person who has no appetite for the limelight.
"While most lawmakers vie for a spot on finance or other popular committees," Chen said, "Huang immersed himself in the study of science and technology bills. He also shows deep concern for the underprivileged and has been actively involved in charity activities."
Chen says he was shocked by the incident's sensational twists.
On Jan. 3, Chan Hui-hua (
Even more bizarre, Chan's handicapped brother, Chan Fu-shun (詹富順), told the press the next day Huang had lied about what transpired during his "captivity." He insisted Huang had a wild sex party in the hotel room where the lawmaker smoked marijuana, used the drug ecstasy and engaged in sadomasochistic games with his sister and two other women.
Forensic tests are being conducted on all parties involved for traces of drug use, as Huang's aides try to cast doubt on any potentially positive test results.
"The lawmaker had been in treatment for spinal pain before the Dec. 1 elections and the medicine he took may affect the test's outcome," said Huang's secretary Liu Ming-hui (劉明暉). "While held hostage, he could have used illicit drugs under duress."
Huang has since shunned the media.
After earning his master's degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology in 1985, Hwang worked in turn as a college lecturer, engineer, advisor for the former provincial government and member of the National Assembly. In 1998, he won a seat representing his home city of Taichung in the legislature. In the last three years, he took a seat on the Sci-tech and Information Committee and played a role in passing legislation on electronic signatures, the regulation of the telecommunications industry and the management of science-based parks.
Partly due to his work, the legislature passed a law that encourages the private sector to take part in public construction projects.
In addition, Huang has pushed for the establishment of a national construction department. The DPP administration is receptive to the plan as it fits in with its bid to remake government.
KMT legislator Lin Kuo-lung (
"I cannot imagine him doing anything this nonsensical," Lin said. "He was always very attentive and conscientious when reviewing bills."
Like many others, Lin shied away from passing judgment, saying he didn't know Huang that well and citing the fact that the case was still under investigation.
Huang, who failed to win a second term, is due to vacate his office at the end of this month. On the campaign trail, he portrayed himself as a family man who considered nothing more important than putting food on the table and vowed, if re-elected, to help his constituents meet their needs.
Whatever the truth, it's no secret that many politicians in Taiwan are fond of having extravagant nightlives. Parties who bitterly bicker over policy issues in the daytime are frequently reconciled at night in company of gorgeous hostesses while eating delicious food.
Earlier, DPP lawmaker Hsu Jung-shu (
"You bet, there are many womanizers in the DPP," Hsu said. "And some have broken families as a result of their promiscuity."
People First Party legislator Chou Hsi-wei (
"Rumors that some colleagues lead a loose life are nothing new," he said, declining to name any except adding that "birds of a feather flock together."
Commenting along similar lines, KMT lawmaker Chen Ching-pao (
"As a microcosm of society, the legislature has its share of hypocrites," Chen said. "I'm glad I'll be leaving this place soon."
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