TAIPEI, Taiwan: Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen has opted to retain her defence minister, Chiu Kuo-cheng, after he offered to resign due to a scandal involving his family, as confirmed by her office Friday. Chiu tendered his resignation verbally to President Tsai, citing “matters involving his family,” according to presidential spokeswoman Olivia Lin.
In a statement, Lin emphasized the critical regional security situation and the transitional period of the government team, leading President Tsai to believe that Minister Chiu should continue in his role to ensure stability and comprehensiveness in national defence affairs. She also stated that relevant agencies would conduct investigations into the matter in accordance with the law, although no specific details were provided.
President Tsai, who is set to step down on May 20 after serving the maximum two four-year terms, will be succeeded by her current deputy, Lai Ching-te, following the January 13 presidential elections.
The defence ministry corroborated the president’s decision in a separate statement, affirming that Minister Chiu had offered his resignation due to “family matters” but was asked to remain in his position by President Tsai. The ministry assured that Chiu would continue to fulfill his duties during the handover period and stated that his family would fully cooperate with the investigation.
Reports emerged in local media alleging that Chiu’s son, employed at the National Security Bureau, was involved in hiring sex workers, prompting public scrutiny and the subsequent resignation offer by the defence minister.
