Hsiao Ching-yen Suspended by KMT for 1 Year, Continues Campaigning and Vows to Appeal

New Taipei City Councilor candidate Hsiao Ching-yen was suspended for one year by the Kuomintang (KMT) Disciplinary Committee yesterday due to controversial remarks. Hsiao Ching-yen campaigned in the market today, emphasizing he would appeal and, if necessary, resort to legal action. The New Taipei City KMT branch stated that Hsiao Ching-yen retains his candidacy eligibility until the appeal results are finalized.

The KMT plans to nominate two candidates for New Taipei City Councilor in the 11th constituency (Xizhi, Wanli, Jinshan). Incumbent councilor Bai Pei-ru is assured re-election due to the women's quota. Former KMT spokesperson Hsiao Ching-yen, Legislator Lo Chih-chiang's office director He Yuan-kai, and Qiaodong Village Chief Tao Wei-chung are competing for the remaining spot. Primary election telephone polling is being conducted from April 13 to 15.

Hsiao Ching-yen had previously criticized the KMT on a political talk show, leading to complaints. The KMT Central Disciplinary Committee ruled yesterday that Hsiao Ching-yen's disciplinary violations were clear, imposing a one-year suspension. New Taipei City KMT branch chairman Huang Chih-hsiung stated today that Hsiao Ching-yen has the right to appeal, and as no appeal has been received yet, he remains eligible to run until the outcome is determined.

Hsiao Ching-yen continued campaigning at Jinlong Market this morning. He stated in an interview that the party's disciplinary action was unreasonable. He had clearly explained and defended against each complaint during local party meetings and could not understand why a suspension was still imposed, especially with the central committee's hasty approval. He questioned whether the timing, during the primary election polling, was intended to interfere with the primary.

Hsiao Ching-yen believes this election has been manipulated from the start by individuals aiming to interfere with the primary, using online trolls to edit videos, smear his reputation, and exploit disciplinary procedures to directly nullify the election. He emphasized he would appeal according to party regulations and, if necessary, pursue legal channels to protect his rights.

Separately, Lo Chih-chiang accompanied his protégé He Yuan-kai on a street sweep in Xizhi this morning. Lo Chih-chiang stated that He Yuan-kai has a complete resume, having served as spokesperson for Taoyuan Mayor Chang San-cheng's campaign office and aide to Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, making him the ideal candidate for Xizhi, Wanli, and Jinshan. He noted the election is in a critical phase, urging the public to answer their phones in the coming days.

Regarding his opponent Hsiao Ching-yen's suspension, He Yuan-kai emphasized he would focus on his own path, maintain his original intention, and diligently engage with the grassroots. His sole goal is to achieve the highest poll numbers.