The spectacular end to bizarre cult leader Sung Chi-li's activities yesterday has not come without political consequences.
Legislators from the right-wing New Party have accused Frank Hsieh, of the Democratic Progressive Party, of accepting financial contributions from Sung's organisation.
Sung, 48, yesterday allegedly confessed to doctoring photographs and other forms of trickery to con thousands of believers out of cash and assets. Police claim he said: 'It was all a fraud.' Mr Hsieh, who ran for vice-president last March, assembled a group of prominent backers yesterday to deny the accusation against him.
The politician, who was videotaped kneeling before Sung several months ago, challenged foes in the New Party to prove he had taken money from the cult.
Taiwan National Police Administration Deputy Director-General Yu Yu-tang, who Sung said asked him to ensure President Lee Teng-hui would win the March election, has also denied playing any role in the cult.
The case has aroused vast concern in Taiwan, where rapid improvements in living standards have left a moral vacuum. Authorities accuse cults of trying to profit from filling it.
