KMT disciplinary measures spark accusations of double standards; Lin Pei-hsiang: Weng Hsiao-ling should not be lumped together with Ting Yu and Hsiao Ching-yen
The KMT expelled Ting Yu from the party and suspended Hsiao Ching-yen's membership rights, yet took no action against the persistently controversial Weng Hsiao-ling, drawing accusations of double standards in its disciplinary handling — bad news for party unity.
- Lin Pei-hsiang said it feels "odd" to discuss Weng Hsiao-ling in the same breath as Ting Yu and Hsiao Ching-yen, since the circumstances are fundamentally different.
- Ting and Hsiao directly attacked fellow party members during the mass recall campaign, whereas the criticism of Weng Hsiao-ling stems from her scrutinising, freezing and cutting budgets — which is precisely a legislator's job.
- Asked about reports that KMT and TPP elected officials privately rail against Weng Hsiao-ling, Lin Pei-hsiang denied it, saying he has a good relationship with her and that the two had even campaigned together down in Chiayi.
- He retorted that the councillor behind the disclosure was exploiting the rift, and threw in wishes for a smooth election and a big boost in name recognition.
Outlook: With the nine-in-one local elections approaching, sniping between the KMT and the TPP and disputes over party discipline are only set to increase in the near term.