Unraveling the Scandal: Hsinchu City Mayor’s Alleged Misconduct and Controversy

Unraveling the Scandal: Hsinchu City Mayor’s Alleged Misconduct and Controversy

Allegations Against Hsinchu City Mayor

The city of Hsinchu, Taiwan is currently embroiled in controversy, with its mayor, Gao Hong’an, in the center of the storm. Hsinchu City Councilor Liu Chongxian has recently exposed potential misconduct involving Mayor Gao Hong’an. The Mayor is suspected of receiving improper gifts from construction companies, raising concerns about potential quid pro quo relationships in urban renewal cases. This situation has triggered a wave of criticisms and inquiries about the integrity of the city’s administration.

Sexually Insulting Posts Stir Controversy

Adding fuel to the fire, a contract employee from Hsinchu City’s Urban Development Department, known only by the surname Wu, has allegedly made sexually insulting posts on Facebook against the Democratic Progressive Party’s Hsinchu City legislative candidate Lin Zhijie. The posts also linked the candidate to eight major industries, a move perceived as not only reflective of the city government’s tolerance of such behavior but also an insult to women striving to support themselves.

The Urban Development Department has responded to the incident, stating that the employee’s actions occurred during non-working hours and did not involve the use of public resources, thus considering it personal behavior. However, the department reminded the employee about the importance of respecting gender equality and upholding administrative neutrality, regardless of whether it is a weekday or a holiday, to maintain the city government’s image.

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Public Accountability and Political Silence

Liu questioned the Mayor’s tolerance of such disgraceful behavior from city employees. He highlighted the need for accountability, especially given the ongoing focus on gender equality and the #Metoo movement. Despite the controversy, the Kuomintang (KMT), which Wu represents, has failed to respond or apologize for the incident.

Liu argues that Wu, being a contract employee of the City Development Department and a representative of the KMT, holds a public position and should be held accountable for his actions. Liu also countered Wu’s defense that citizens are entitled to express their opinions and that critics are exploiting the Me Too movement for political gains. Liu emphasized that as an employee funded by taxpayers’ money, Wu is more than just an ordinary citizen, and the city government should take a clear stand on the matter.

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Call for Mayor’s Action

Liu also called on Mayor Gao Hong’an, the first female mayor in Hsinchu City’s history, to not tolerate employees who publicly sexually insult others. He urged the Mayor not to cover up the incident because of Wu’s past affiliation as an assistant to Commissioner Zheng Zhenghao. Liu cautioned that ignoring this incident could cast a shadow over the city government’s gender equality awareness.

The allegations against Mayor Gao Hong’an and the controversy surrounding the city’s Urban Development Department have sparked a significant public outcry. Such incidents underscore the importance of accountability, transparency, and respect for gender equality in public office. The city’s constituents wait to see how the Mayor and the city administration will respond to these allegations and take necessary actions to restore public confidence.

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