Blue Party Questions Minister Cheng Ying-yao's Leave for Campaigning; Green Party Cites 'Misinformation'

(Central News Agency, Taipei, July 1) Minister of Education Cheng Ying-yao's recent leave from the Education and Culture Committee of the Legislative Yuan to attend local events has drawn criticism from opposition parties. The Kuomintang (KMT) caucus stated today that Cheng should publicly explain himself to clarify whether he falsely claimed leave and violated administrative neutrality. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) caucus responded that cross-party legislators were present that day to discuss local education, and Cheng was not campaigning for any specific individual.

Cheng Ying-yao stated in Taichung today that he did not take sick leave that day but had a pre-scheduled official duty to inspect school facilities in Changhua.

On June 29, the Legislative Yuan's Education and Culture Committee reviewed draft amendments to regulations concerning teacher performance evaluations. Cheng Ying-yao's leave to attend local events sparked criticism from opposition parties. The Ministry of Education responded that they had obtained permission from the convener prior to the leave, and cross-party legislators were present at the event.

KMT legislative caucus whip Lin Pei-hsiang and KMT legislator Yeh Yuan-chih held a press conference this morning at the KMT caucus room in the Legislative Yuan, titled "Public Official Takes Sick Leave, Campaigning Energized with Overtime – Is This an Educational Tour or a Campaign Tour?"

Lin Pei-hsiang pointed out that Cheng Ying-yao should publicly explain his absence from legislative questioning and his related itinerary to the legislature and the public, to clarify whether he falsely claimed leave, violated administrative neutrality, or misled legislative oversight, allowing the truth to be examined.

Lin Pei-hsiang stated that the Executive Yuan should establish stricter regulations on administrative neutrality for political appointees. For local events during election periods, the purpose of the itinerary, funding sources, and accompanying personnel should be publicly disclosed. If campaign rallies or election activities are involved, a clear separation should be maintained to prevent the misuse of administrative resources.

Lin Pei-hsiang expressed regret, stating that if Cheng Ying-yao was unable to attend legislative questioning due to health reasons, the legislature would naturally respect and understand. However, being able to attend a local event on the same day is not just a matter of public perception, but also involves honesty towards the legislature and respect for the constitutional system.

Yeh Yuan-chih pointed out that on June 29, the Legislative Yuan's Education and Culture Committee discussed the agenda related to school affairs meetings, specifically how to resolve issues of campus disorder. Yet, Cheng Ying-yao did not attend the Legislative Yuan but was found to be present at an inspection tour organized by DPP Changhua County Magistrate candidate Chen Su-yue, which extended beyond her constituency. If this is not for campaigning, what is? Is such a minister qualified?

DPP legislative caucus whip Fan Yun and deputy whip Huang Chieh held a press conference today to respond to public opinion. Regarding the KMT caucus press conference, Fan Yun stated that Cheng Ying-yao's trip to Changhua on June 29 was not to campaign for any specific individual. Cross-party legislators were present that day to discuss education and schools in Changhua, and some people have distorted this into the minister taking sick leave to campaign, which is incorrect.

Fan Yun also said that Cheng Ying-yao had obtained leave from the convener and did not take sick leave. Cheng Ying-yao had taken sick leave previously, so this is a misunderstanding. Furthermore, this misinformation has caused significant harm to Cheng Ying-yao, and the caucus urges the Ministry of Education to clarify the facts as soon as possible. (Editor: Su Lung-chi) 1150701

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