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TSU expels two lawmakers

PHOTO: CNA

The Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU) expelled two of its legislators yesterday, saying that they had been "uncooperative" and failed to follow the party line.

The TSU now has 12 legislators.

TSU Chairman Huang Kun-huei (黃昆輝) told a press conference that the party's Central Executive Committee (CEC) met yesterday afternoon and resolved to dismiss legislators Liao Pen-yen (廖本煙) and Huang Chung-yung (黃宗源).

He said the pair could not work with other members toward the party's goals because they did not recognize the party's concepts and were ill-adapted to its fundamental values.

"We feel sorry and upset that the two could not keep pace with the party's progression," he said. "With the legislative elections approaching, we are obliged to tackle the matter and make clear that we will not waver in upholding the party's ideals and following the path."

He said the TSU is an opposition party whose role is to oversee the performance of the government and the party insist on Taiwan-centered consciousness.

"We feel sorry and upset that the two could not keep pace with the party's progression."

Huang Kun-hui, Taiwan Solidarity Union chairman

The path of the party is to care for the middle class and the disadvantaged, he said, adding that the party is willing to release members who do not identify with such values.

TSU Legislator Lin Jih-jia (林志嘉), director of the party's caucus office and one of the initiators of the motion to dismiss the two lawmakers, said that Liao and Huang had skipped caucus meetings and failed to respond to its mobilization orders for two months.

"Their resistance has paralyzed the caucus' operations," Lin said. "I don't know where their hearts lie but apparently they do not lie with the party."

TSU caucus convener Lo Chih-ming (羅志明) said that he was unaware of the content of the motion, but felt the pair deserves a chance to explain themselves.

The party charter stipulates that members who refuse to accept the ruling of the CEC must appeal to the Arbitration Committee within 10 days of receiving the written ruling.

Liao and Huang Chung-yung said yesterday that they were surprised and baffled by the CEC's decision.

"It is like a beggar driving away the caretaker of a temple," Liao said, adding that he would need to better understand the situation before commenting further.

Huang Chung-yung said that he and Liao would hold a news conference today to officially respond.
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