Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Secretary-General King Pu-tsung (金溥聰) yesterday praised Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin (郝龍斌) for reacting “nimbly” to the resignations of his close aides, including his deputy.
King, who left for Japan and Singapore yesterday, told the press at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport that due to Hau’s “agility” in handling the matter, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) city councilors and others using the controversy surrounding the Taipei International Flora Expo to play up a negative light would have less traction to attack Hau.
King was referring to the resignation of Taipei deputy mayor Lee Yong-ping (李永萍) on Monday over the growing controversies regarding alleged procurement irregularities related to the flora expo and the Xinsheng Overpass improvement projects. Two of Hau’s top longtime aides also tendered their resignations along with Lee.
A city investigation has absolved Lee of any responsibility for the procurement irregularities, but she said she resigned because of her poor crisis-management skills in handling the allegations when they first surfaced. Hau on Monday also set up a new committee with five members to consult and supervise the flora expo project.
King yesterday also dismissed speculation that relations between Hau and the party were poor, saying that the party would spare no effort in helping Hau overcome the challenges resulting from the flora expo controversy.
On whether the party would send a team to Hau’s campaign office, King said Hau’s campaign office was right next to the party’s headquarters and they could provide instant assistance whenever necessary.
At a separate setting yesterday, Allen Chiu (邱文祥), Taipei City’s acting deputy mayor, said that making the flora expo a success is the most important task ahead of him.
Chiu, who also heads the city’s Department of Health, was named acting deputy mayor by Hau on Tuesday night to fill the vacancy left by Lee’s resignation.
“The most important task ahead of me is to ensure the success of the Taipei International Flora Expo,” Chiu said on his first day on the job.
With the flora expo less than two months away, he acknowledged the intense pressure he faces, but also said that he would do his best to accomplish his mission.
“The flora expo is the most important project for Taipei City. It is the pride of all Taipei City residents and it is paramount that the project is nothing but a success,” he said.
Chiu said he hoped a permanent deputy mayor would be named within three months.
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