Ma Ying-jeou Foundation States Evidence in Hsiao Hsu-tsen Case Provided to Investigators

(CNA, Taipei, May 20, by reporter Liu Kuan-ting) The Ma Ying-jeou Foundation recently established an investigation team to probe whether former aides Hsiao Hsu-tsen and Wang Guang-ci violated financial discipline. Today, the foundation stated that it has provided complete material evidence to the investigation team. However, investigation team member Lee Te-wei explained that they only received so-called partial paper documents on April 20 and accused the foundation of trying to smear the team for supposedly delaying the probe, calling it a baseless accusation. The Ma Ying-jeou Foundation previously noted in a press release that after the investigation team was formed, it failed to produce a report. On May 11, Ma Ying-jeou called the team members to inquire about the investigation's progress and invited them to a board meeting on the 21st to elect new board members. Ma also decided to extend the deadline for the investigation team's report from the 21st to the 27th. If the team still cannot submit a report by then, the foundation will hold a press conference to explain the matter. In a press release today, the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation stated that Hsiao Hsu-tsen's claim in a media interview yesterday, that the investigation report materials announced on April 13 were not given to the investigation team, is untrue. The press release pointed out that the foundation had provided the complete material evidence to the three-person investigation team and board members for their reference on three occasions: April 8, April 14, and April 17. It added that the relevant personnel were ready to be interviewed by the investigation team at any time. Hsiao Hsu-tsen questioned the legality of the foundation adding new board members, suggesting it was problematic and illegal under the Foundations Act and related regulations. The Ma Ying-jeou Foundation responded that its plan to appoint new directors is being handled in accordance with the "Foundations Act" and interpretations from the competent authority. Appointing new directors within the number specified in the articles of association during a term requires convening a board meeting for a vote by the current board. The appointment is made only after a passing vote, and the term of the newly elected directors is the same as the current board's. The Ma Ying-jeou Foundation stated that its process for appointing new directors during a term complies with all relevant regulations, that Hsiao's claims are not factual, and urged him to stop spreading false information. However, Lee Te-wei, a member of the three-person team and a board director, said in an interview that the team only received the so-called partial paper documents on April 20 and began interviewing relevant individuals on April 21. He described the attempt to smear the team for wanting to delay or refuse to reach a conclusion as a baseless accusation. Lee emphasized that the three-person team members are volunteers, not paid staff, and they do not approve of the foundation setting a deadline for the investigation. He advised the foundation's full-time staff to comply with the Foundations Act and follow the board of directors.