The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) caucus yesterday called for a judicial probe into a potential conflict of interest and allegations of profiteering by Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) Legislator Wu Chun-cheng (吳春城) and his family through their “strong generation” (壯世代) programs.
Besides founding the Strong Generation Association in August 2021, Wu also set up several companies, organization and social enterprises headed by Wu or his family members, DPP caucus chief executive Rosalia Wu (吳思瑤) said.
“It is a business empire covering many sectors, all controlled by Wu’s family, who serve as company president or chairperson, to profit from government contracts,” she said, accusing Wu Chun-cheng of abuse of power.
Photo: Liu Hsin-de, Taipei Times
Wu Chun-cheng founded the Jet-Go Consulting Group (戰國策傳播集團), later spinning off several firms which are headed by his wife, Chang Mei-hui (張美慧). They include Pulse Research Consulting Co (民意傳播顧問公司), Popcorn Digital Information Co (爆米花數位資訊), Zhuang Shi Dai Social Enterprise (壯世代社會企業), Great Society (大社會) and Soundline Consulting (順律國際顧問).
Over the years, Wu Chun-cheng and his family businesses won NT$1.1 billion (US$33.5 million) of contracts from the central and local governments, many of which are related to the promotion of the term “strong generation,” the caucus said.
Wu Chun-cheng also pushed to pass the Act Promoting Development for Strong Generation Policies and Industries (壯世代政策與產業發展促進法) to his benefit, it added.
“He has abused his position as a TPP lawmaker for personal profits, clearly breaching conflict of interest regulations covering elected officials. It is hypocritical of the TPP, which has espoused ‘clean ethics’ and said its members must not engage in actions that might involve a conflict of interest and must not profit from their position as legislators,” Rosalia Wu said.
Wu Chun-cheng has denied any conflict of interest over the legislation he pushed hard to pass, saying he had resigned from all positions in the association and has no power to make decisions.
FUKUOKA SITUATION: Japanese media reported that the pathogen is expected to be identified by the summer, while the CDC downplayed the idea that it was hMPV A “mysterious cold-like illness” reported in Japan’s Fukuoka Prefecture does not seem to be a new disease, but Japanese authorities have been asked about the situation, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said yesterday. The Fukuoka Prefectural Medical Association on Wednesday told a news conference that a “mystery cold” that has become a hot topic on social media is “highly likely to be caused by some kind of viral infection,” Japan’s KBC News reported. “Many people are experiencing symptoms starting with a sore throat, followed by a runny nose, phlegm and a severe cough,” KBC News reported, citing association officials. Health authorities are
Nvidia Corp CEO Jensen Huang (黃仁勳) arrived in Taiwan yesterday ahead of upcoming AI and technology events, saying he plans to meet with clients and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Chairman C.C. Wei (魏哲家) during his visit. After landing at Taipei Songshan Airport, Huang posed for photos with fans and handed out Yakult drinks to reporters and supporters waiting at the scene, saying he has “a lot to do” during the trip. Asked about reports that Nvidia’s planned headquarters site in Taipei’s Beitou Shilin Technology Park could break ground on May 27, Huang said that if the company holds an event, he would
The Ministry of Finance this afternoon announced the winning numbers for the March-April uniform invoice lottery. The winning number for the NT$10 million (US$318,060) special prize is 19531471, and the winning number for the NT$2 million grand prize is 85941329. Three numbers were drawn for the NT$200,000 first prize: 07225810, 20231230 and 83518781. Those with receipts matching the last seven digits of any of the first-prize numbers will win the NT$40,000 second prize, while those matching the last six digits will win the NT$10,000 third prize. Those whose receipts match the last five digits of the first-prize numbers can claim the NT$4,000 fourth prize,
Former president Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) yesterday expressed “shock and regret” over a statement issued by his wife without his consent, and rejected her assertion that his eldest sister, Ma Yi-nan (馬以南), would manage his medical care or act as his spokesperson amid an ongoing embezzlement probe into his foundation. Ma Ying-jeou in a statement said he was shocked by a statement by his wife, Chou Mei-ching (周美青), regarding his affairs. Ma Yi-nan “must not” be in charge of his healthcare and other personal affairs, nor can she be allowed to represent the Ma family, the former president said. He said he was also