PFP cites embezzlement allegations facing Chen Shui-bian
Taiwan's opposition People First Party (PFP) sought legislators' support yesterday for the impeachment of scandal-plagued Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian, who survived an unprecedented recall motion in the legislature last month aimed at ousting him.
The PFP said the move was partially motivated by allegations Mr Chen had embezzled about NT$36 million (HK$8.5 million) in state funds allocated to the President's Office for spending on secret diplomatic operations overseas.
'According to the Ministry of Audit, there were no receipts or other evidence that 77 per cent, or as much as NT$36 million, of the special state affairs expense allowance allocated to [Mr Chen] was used legally,' PFP legislative caucus head Lu Hsueh-chang said in Taipei yesterday.
'Worse yet, [Mr Chen] tried to cover up his alleged corrupt practice by using so-called classified information as a reason to refuse to allow the ministry to check details of the funds spent.'
Mr Lu claimed the president tolerated his wife, Wu Shu-chen, using his influence to make windfall stock market profits and to acquire a huge amount of department store gift vouchers. Mr Lu also took Mr Chen to task for using government funds to pay for a maid working for his daughter and son-in-law.
'Because of this, all legislators with a conscience should join us in endorsing an impeachment,' he said.
