Though he styled himself as a fighter against "the privileged class," Chou, ironically, was convicted of corruption by the Taipei District Court in 1989 for receiving NT$12 million in bribes.
The case has dragged on for over 10 years and has been appealed to the Supreme Court a number of times, but still remains unresolved today.
His record, however, did not hamper his bid to run for legislator in 1992. Subsequently he was returned to office in 1995 and 1998.
In all three of his terms as legislator, he has been able to assume the leadership of the DPP legislative caucus, which is reshuffled every session.
Though many opposition lawmakers would gnash their teeth with anger at the thought of their past dealings with Chou, Chou seems to relish what he has been doing.
"Most people would like to become the good cop. But there must be someone who plays the role of bad cop," Chou said.
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