Academia Sinica President Chen Chien-jen Defends Appointment Amid 'Final Public Office' Controversy

Chen Chien-jen, President of Academia Sinica, assumed leadership in June and made his first appearance at the Legislative Yuan on July 20 to report on institutional affairs and answer questions. KMT legislators highlighted Chen's 2023 inauguration speech as Premier, where he declared, 'This will be the last public office I hold in my life.' KMT legislator葛如鈞 (Ge Ru-jun) mocked the situation with a meme stating 'Chien-jen is just hypocritical,' questioning Chen's integrity. In response, Chen clarified that he currently serves as a Distinguished Research Fellow, engaging in academic administrative work, and therefore has not broken his previous promise.

On July 20, the Legislative Yuan's Education and Culture Committee invited Chen to report on the general operations of Academia Sinica and face questioning. Prior to the session, Chen was asked about the carcinogenic oil controversy and responded that close cooperation between central and local governments plays the most crucial role. He emphasized that collaboration between the government and businesses is essential, expressing confidence that with unity, food safety can be ensured, allowing people to live safely and peacefully.

Chen reiterated that he remains a Distinguished Research Fellow and is engaged in academic administration, not political service, thus not violating his earlier commitment. KMT legislators pointed out that Chen had publicly stated in 2023, upon assuming the premiership, that it would be his 'final public office,' leading to accusations of inconsistency and lack of credibility.

Fan Yun, Secretary-General of the DPP caucus, stated that the Academia Sinica presidency is the highest leadership position in Taiwan's academic community, with only academicians eligible to participate in decision-making and voting. She emphasized that it is almost entirely non-political, with the only political aspect being budget negotiations in the Legislative Yuan. She urged the KMT and its allies to respect academic service that transcends partisan politics.

Additional exclusive reports from Storm Media: - 'Chen Chien-jen lacks academic integrity!' Chen Pei-zhe reveals why Lai Qing-te missed the handover ceremony: Academia Sinica should still be abolished - Carcinogenic oil scandal intensifies! Chen Chien-jen says 'products should be removed if necessary': Drinking more water helps eliminate benzopyrene - Confirmed! Lai Qing-te issues a presidential order appointing Chen Chien-jen as President of Academia Sinica