TPP Accuses Su Tsiao-hui's Associates of Favoritism in Bids; Campaign Office Calls it 'Rehashed News'

(CNA, New Taipei, 21st, by Tsao Ya-yen) The Taiwan People's Party (TPP) questioned today whether individuals closely associated with the family of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) New Taipei City mayoral candidate Su Tsiao-hui have repeatedly obtained restricted government tenders in the past, suggesting special political connections. Su's office responded that this is "reheating cold rice" (rehashed old news) every election, questioning if it's an attempt to help cover up scandals involving the Kuomintang (KMT) candidate's family.

TPP New Taipei City Council candidates Lin Tzu-yu, Wu Ya-lun, and Chen Yu-chieh held a press conference today, accusing people close to Su Tsiao-hui of carving up government contracts and feeding on taxpayer money. Lin stated that at the "Transcend Arts and Culture Foundation," founded by former Premier Su Tseng-chang, his daughters Su Tsiao-hui and Su Chiao-chun have both served as CEOs, while his wife Chan Hsiu-ling is the current chairperson.

Lin named three of the foundation's directors: Chang Yung-chang, head of Kent Animation; Wang Shih, head of Monkey Peaches; and Wu Yung-chi, head of Da Ji Xiang. She alleged that not only did they make many socially divisive statements during a major recall campaign, but they have also repeatedly secured restricted government tenders. Furthermore, Su Chiao-chun's company, 23 Design, has a history of controversy regarding government bids and was even caught violating a promise by secretly taking on a project.

Wu Ya-lun said that the ability of the Transcend Foundation's directors to win restricted tenders tailor-made by central government agencies makes one suspect the existence of special political relationships, stating, "Public tenders are not an ATM for a family foundation." Chen Yu-chieh also pointed out that the local government contracts these individuals obtained are highly concentrated in cities and counties governed by the DPP. Now that Su Tsiao-hui is running for New Taipei mayor, she should not let New Taipei become a resource club for a specific family and called for her to provide an explanation.

In response, Su Tsiao-hui's campaign spokesperson, Mahengheng Estanda, said that just yesterday, the brother of KMT New Taipei mayoral candidate Lee Szu-chuan admitted in court to extorting environmental operators. The fact that someone is rushing to hold a "reheating cold rice" press conference today makes one suspect it's an attempt to help cover up the criminal scandal of the KMT candidate's family.

Mahengheng Estanda stated that Su Chiao-chun is an internationally award-winning designer who often serves as a judge. Regarding the case that is brought up every election, Su Chiao-chun's team undertook a downstream design project; she was not involved in the bidding or the evaluation process, so it is unclear what there is to smear.

Mahengheng Estanda believes that the TPP cannot produce evidence of improper means to obtain the bids and can only resort to such insinuation and smearing tactics, which is disappointing. During an election campaign, candidates should compete on policy, execution, and creativity for the benefit of the citizens. (Editor: Lin Shu-hui) 1150521