Taiwan People's Party (TPP) Legislator Wu Chun-cheng (吳春城) today announced his resignation following allegations that he proposed a bill for personal gain, saying he had considered stepping down after the bill was passed, but decided to stay to respond to the accusations.
It is expected that Liu Shu-pin (劉書彬), a professor from Soochow University’s Department of Political Science, is to take his place, according to TPP organization policy.
The Legislative Yuan convened today with Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) giving a report and answering questions. Wu was the first to begin questioning.
Photo: Tu Chien-jung, Taipei Times
Wu placed a framed photograph on the lectern of the legislature passing the third reading of the Act Promoting Development for Strong Generation Policies and Industries (壯世代政策與產業發展促進法) on Jan. 7, which was promulgated on Jan. 24.
The law defines the “strong generation” as those aged 55 and over with the ability and willingness to work, and stipulates that the government is responsible for making policies that help the aging population lead a better life.
At the end of his speech, Wu said that the new policy “belongs to the people” and that “a great battle has been fought,” which he would leave to “blossom” while he returns to his original calling as a missionary.
He said he is thankful to the many officials who helped him push through the legislation in the past year, including Cho and Minister Without Portfolio Chen Shih-chung (陳時中), as well as government agencies that helped plan policies for the aging population.
The “strong generation” act was supported by many cross-party legislators and was scrupulously examined by multiple committees and plenary sessions, he added.
Once the third reading was passed, he said to himself: “My duty here in the Legislative Yuan is done. Hallelujah,” Wu said.
Wu denied allegations in the past month that he had conflicting personal interests in pushing the bill through, calling them attempts to “tarnish his reputation and the reputation of the policy,” he said.
Last month, Democratic Progressive Party members accused Wu of using his position as head of the Strong Generation Association to secure contracts and register trademarks.
They accused Wu of illegal profiteering, using the term “strong generation” to cheat people and helping companies, organizations and social enterprises with which he was affiliated to gain government contracts.
Wu previously said that he had resigned from all positions within the association on Jan. 24, following which he had no power to make decisions.
Today, Wu said he had already considered resigning once the bill was passed as his duty was done, but he wished to pass the baton to the next legislator.
However, due to the subsequent attacks, he said he felt compelled to stay and carry out his responsibility until he told TPP leaders of his intent to resign 10 days ago.
Cho thanked Wu for his comments and said he respects his decision.
The TPP in a statement said it respects Wu’s decision.
Wu has dedicated his life to advocating for the “strong generation,” it said, expressing confidence that on his return to civilian life, he would continue to spread awareness of the importance of his policy and ideals.
The party also pledged to continue addressing challenges faced by all generations due to Taiwan’s aging population.
Additional reporting by Lin Hsin-han
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