DPP caucus votes to expel lovesick lawmaker Cheng

The DPP yesterday suspended Legislator Cheng Yu-chen (鄭余鎮) from its legislative caucus, tired of his romantic entanglements that had enraged many supporters.

"We have unanimously decided to expel him from the caucus, the severest punishment available," said DPP Legislator Wang Sing-nan (王幸男), head of the caucus' disciplinary panel.

"The ruling will be valid for the duration of his present term. In addition, we will recommend the party revoke his membership," Wang said.

Cheng flew to Los Angeles on Aug. 7 with his assistant-turned-lover Sophie Wang (王筱蟬) to demonstrate his resolve to get a divorce from his estranged wife Lu Pei-ying (呂珮茵).

He has said he'd rather quit being a lawmaker than part with Sophie Wang. However, Cheng has continued to collect his legislative salary and expense money.

Wang said he and other colleagues were deeply ashamed of Cheng's irresponsible behavior. Together, they took a deep bow and asked for forgiveness from all DPP supporters.

Many of Cheng's constituents have phoned party headquarters to protest Cheng's affair.

Wang said the suspension has nothing to do with Cheng's private life but is based on the fact that he has failed to fulfill his duty since the current legislative session opened last month.

"It is not right for a legislator to collect prodigious salary and perks without carrying out his duty at all," DPP Legislator Chiu Tai-san (邱太三) said.

Under the Legislative Yuan's regulations, lawmakers can only lose their seats if they are voted out of office, die, resign, are convicted of a criminal offense, are impeached or become a Cabinet member, mayor or county commissioner.

Chiu Chang (邱彰), Cheng's lawyer, told reporters yesterday that the suspension did not bother her client, who has no appetite to associate with a bunch of "moral hypocrites."

Chiu said Cheng had already withdrawn from the caucus on his own accord.

She said several DPP lawmakers are involved in extramarital affairs themselves and so they have no right to judge others.

Chiu said that according to Nevada state law Cheng could seek a divorce in a state court after he has resided in the US state for at least six weeks.

Cheng and Sophie Wang reportedly went through a marriage ceremony in Las Vegas on July 2. During an earlier news conference in Los Angeles, he painted himself as so crushed and disgraced that he would not return to Taiwan until he unravels his romantic entanglement.

"As an old saying goes, a man must mend his household before seeking to serve his country. I don't have the nerve to face my constituents unless I put a end to this mess," Cheng said.

Lu has said she would never agree to a divorce.