New Power Party Questions 'Black Gold' Family Influence in Parliament; Legislator Tsai Chun-chou Responds: 'What Have I Done Wrong?'

(CNA, Taipei, May 19) The New Power Party (NPP) has questioned whether Taiwan People's Party (TPP) legislator Tsai Chun-chou is a "proxy legislator" planted in the legislature by the "black gold family" of Tsai Yung-te, chairman of the Beigang Chaotian Temple. Tsai Chun-chou responded today, saying she was a teacher for 35 years and entered public service after retirement, asking, "What have I done that is 'black gold'?" She condemned the recent violent incident, stating it has entered the judicial process and that "my nephew did not hit anyone." Former legislator and former Beigang Chaotian Temple chairwoman Tseng Tsai Mei-tso was assaulted by dozens of men in white at her residence on the 7th. The Taiwan Yunlin District Prosecutors Office's request to detain Tsai Chin-tsai, son of Yunlin County Council Deputy Speaker and Beigang Chaotian Temple Chairman Tsai Yung-te, was approved. The NPP held a press conference this morning, pointing out that Tsai Chun-chou and Tsai Yung-te share a service office in Beigang, and the registered legal address of the "Chunghwa Sunshine Promotion and Care Association," where Tsai Chun-chou serves as president, is the same. The NPP questioned if Tsai Chun-chou is a "proxy legislator" for the black gold family in parliament. In an interview this morning, Tsai Chun-chou stated that she taught at Beigang Senior High School for 35 years and dedicated herself to public service after retirement. "Where in my life's journey is there black gold?" Her siblings are all in the military, public service, or teaching. Tsai Yung-te's service office has been there for over a decade, providing local services from his time as a representative to her entry into the legislature. Tsai Chun-chou said that the recent violent incident has entered the judicial process and she also condemns violence. However, one should not take things out of context. The judiciary has already clarified the situation. "If that's not the case, what kind of feedback should society give our family?" she asked, especially since she is a blank slate. "Do I have black gold? What have I done that is black?" Tsai Chun-chou stated that the source of this incident was a conflict over sedan chair snatching. "The footage does not show my nephew hitting anyone." Some claim Tsai Chin-tsai instigated it, but where is the evidence of instigation? The full story of the case has now been restored. "My nephew did not hit anyone, it's all clear in the video," she said, adding that their family can withstand scrutiny. (Editor: Zhai Si-jia) 1150519