Minister of Economic Affairs J.W. Kuo’s (郭智輝) office has denied allegations that he used public money to host meals at a restaurant belonging to a company he cofounded, stating that he had paid for the gatherings with his own money.
A report published yesterday by the Chinese-language Mirror Media news outlet alleged that Kuo regularly hosted official meetings and meals at MD Cuisine (MD創作料理), a restaurant and banquet venue in Taipei’s Daan District (大安) owned by Topco Scientific Co (崇越科技), which Kuo cofounded in 1990.
At one such gathering with American Institute in Taiwan officials, the total cost of food and gifts exceeded NT$220,000, Mirror Media reported.
Photo: Taipei Times
Although Kuo had divested of his holdings in Topco Scientific upon taking his ministerial role, his son remained on the company’s board of directors and his wife has a stake in a company that is one of Topco’s major shareholders, the article said, calling it a clear conflict of interest.
Kuo’s office at the Ministry of Economic Affairs said in a statement that the minister had “concrete evidence” that he had paid for the meals with his own money and had not used public funds.
Kuo “has always strictly abided by the principles of administrative neutrality and avoiding conflicts of interest, and draws a clear distinction between his personal affairs and public duties,” it said.
The restaurant named in the media report is operated by Anyong Freshmart (安永鮮物), a subsidiary of Topco Scientific, at which Kuo and his family members have never held any formal positions, it said.
The restaurant was chosen solely based on its convenience in terms of transportation and that it has private rooms for hosting such occasions, Kuo’s office said.
The ministry is near the Guting MRT Station, while MD Cuisine is in a building owned by National Taiwan University on Keelung Road — an 11-minute drive, according to Google Maps.
The allegations against Kuo come amid media speculation that President William Lai (賴清德) is planning a Cabinet shake-up after May 20, which a Cabinet spokesperson on Monday dismissed as “false information” and “pure speculation.”
Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) yesterday said Kuo had already provided a thorough accounting of the matter.
“If you have any doubts, you can ask Kuo Jyh-huei to explain it again,” Cho said.
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