TSU attempts to distance Lee from Zanadau probe

TSU lawmakers and party officials yesterday sought to distance former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) from the financial scandal surrounding Liu Tai-ying (劉泰英), once known as the KMT's unofficial treasurer and a close aide of Lee's.

The high-profile scandal surrounding the Zanadau Development Corp took a crucial turn on Wednesday after Liu was summoned for questioning. He was released 26 hours later.

The Chinese-language media have suggested that Lee might be the next target for prosecutors after justice ministry officials said the investigation would be impartial.

"It is possible for anyone to be questioned regardless of his status or the party he belongs to," they said.

TSU lawmakers said yesterday that Lee, who is highly respected by the party, was surprised by Liu's detention, suggesting that Lee and Liu had not been in touch for a long time.

Once Lee's closest aide, Liu reportedly distanced himself from the former president after Lee founded the TSU in August last year. Lee was said to be upset with Liu for failing to raise enough funds for the newly established party.

Reports said the ex-president was also irritated by Liu's continuing close ties with Su Chih-cheng (蘇志誠), another former aide of Lee's.

Su apparently cut his ties with Lee because he disapproved of the former president re-entering politics after his retirement.

TSU Chairman Huang Chu-wen (黃主文) said he had never heard that Liu and Lee's relationship had become strained because of the TSU's financial situation.

Huang was unwilling to comment on the scandal, saying any remarks at the moment would interfere with justice.

Officials at the Presidential Office refused to comment on suggestions that Liu's detention was a sign that there must be a change in the relationship between President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) and Lee.

The officials urged the public not to politicize everything and to allow justice to take its course.