Peng Huagan Accuses Wei Jiaxian of Violating Party Ethics: Right to Run ≠ Erasing Gratitude

Hualien's KMT political landscape is facing renewed turbulence. Veteran media figure Peng Huagan recently posted on Facebook, stating that local affairs in Hualien are also major concerns for the Kuomintang (KMT). In response to the KMT Hualien County Party Branch's statement criticizing Wei Jiaxian for disregarding 16 years of party support, Peng noted that locals familiar with Hualien's political ecosystem will naturally form their own fair judgments. However, he argued that an anonymous op-ed in the Gengsheng Daily attempting to justify Wei Jiaxian's actions not only ignores the party's long-term nurturing but also exposes disloyalty, even questioning whether the party respects democracy—an unforgivable breach of political ethics.

Peng emphasized that many Hualien residents believe the op-ed severs historical continuity and downplays gratitude, effectively confirming accusations of 'burning bridges' with the KMT and treating 16 years of party cultivation as irrelevant. The op-ed claims Wei Jiaxian's election as councilor and two mayoral victories were 'not solely due to party nomination' but primarily due to citizen support. Peng criticized this statement as self-incriminating evidence, proving Wei Jiaxian knows full well that without the party's full nomination and support, his political achievements would have been impossible—yet he refuses to honestly acknowledge his betrayal.

Peng further pointed out that the anonymous op-ed defending the Wei family is orchestrated by someone unwilling to take responsibility, and such attempts to distort facts only deepen suspicion. This has reignited long-standing electoral feuds between the Wei family and other local political clans. Peng recalled that during the 2016 Hualien mayoral by-election between Wei Jiaxian and DPP candidate Chang Mei-hui (widow of Tien Chi-hsuan), Wei initially faced an uphill battle. At that time, both the KMT central and county branches mobilized full party resources to support him. Locals widely believe the Wei family once swore before deities to field only one candidate and avoid establishing a 'family dynasty.' Yet after Wei Jiaxian's victory, his brother Wei Jia-yan ran for county councilor and later mayor, sparking backlash from other political families.

Peng also questioned Wei Jiaxian's decision to run in 2022 without following internal party procedures, and alleged his indirect support for Chang Chun's election as speaker by a single vote, exacerbating executive-legislative conflicts in Hualien over the past four years. Furthermore, during the KMT's nationwide anti-removal campaign two years ago, the Wei brothers were notably absent, leaving grassroots members shocked and disheartened.

Peng stressed that the KMT central and county branches have consistently shown maximum goodwill and tolerance toward the Wei family, only to be abandoned by Wei Jiaxian in the end. In contrast, Fu Kun-chi, KMT caucus convener in the Legislative Yuan, has remained steadfast in the blue camp despite switching from the People First Party. Whether promoting KMT-PFP cooperation, supporting Ma Ying-jeou's campaigns, or securing major infrastructure projects like the Su-Hua Highway Improvement, Su-Hua Safety Road, and Eastern Express Rail for Hualien, Fu has stood firm during the KMT's toughest times.

Peng concluded that one figure is a battle-tested leader who has expanded the party's influence, while the other enjoyed 16 years of party protection only to abandon it at a critical moment—their character and loyalty are worlds apart. Democracy allows different choices, but politicians must not erase history or forget the party that nurtured them. The real issue isn't whether Wei Jiaxian has the right to run, but whether he has the courage to honestly acknowledge past gratitude and take responsibility toward grassroots party members and voters who supported him.