In a case that has reignited national concerns over abuse of administrative power and erosion of civil rights, the Hualien District Prosecutors Office has indicted three senior officials for allegedly misusing personal data of residents involved in a political recall petition. The petition sought to remove Kuomintang (KMT) lawmaker Fu Kun-chi (傅崐萁), a controversial figure with a history of legal entanglements and polarizing influence in Hualien politics.
The Indicted Officials and Allegations
The officials indicted include:
- Ming Liang-chen (明良臻) – Head of Hualien’s Civil Affairs Department
- Wu Chun-yi (吳俊毅) – Deputy Head of Civil Affairs and Director of the Hualien County Election Committee
- Chung Wei-ting (鍾威霆) – Head of the Hualien City Household Registration Office
Prosecutors allege that the trio conspired to intimidate petitioners by unlawfully accessing and verifying their personal data, including signatures collected as part of a legitimate and legally sanctioned recall effort. This breach of privacy occurred in February 2025, just days after over 2,000 recall petitions were submitted to the Central Election Commission (CEC) on February 3.
Field agents from local household registration offices, reportedly under instruction from Ming and Wu, visited residents’ homes without consent to inquire about their participation in the petition. These actions raised red flags among human rights advocates and democratic watchdogs, who called the visits a form of “state intimidation.”
Administrative Overreach and Abuse of Power
Prosecutors emphasize that only the Hualien County Election Committee is legally authorized to verify recall petition signatures. Despite this, Ming directed household registration offices to perform the checks — an act that both violated the law and crossed administrative boundaries.
Prosecutors described a chain of misconduct:
- Ming ordered the checks despite being aware they were unauthorized.
- Wu, as election director, failed to stop the overreach, instead suggesting cross-referencing signatures with unrelated household data.
- Chung implemented the orders, allowing his office to carry out the illegal field visits.
In a move that further worsened their legal standing, Ming deleted communication records on social media and attempted to shift blame onto his subordinates, prompting prosecutors to recommend a harsher sentence for him.
Wider Implications: Civil Liberties and Political Neutrality at Stake
This case goes beyond mere administrative misconduct. It touches on the core of Taiwan’s democratic fabric, particularly:
- The neutrality of public institutions
- Protection of citizens’ political expression
- The integrity of the petition and recall system, which is a constitutional tool for public accountability
Legal scholars warn that weaponizing administrative departments for political retaliation could have a chilling effect on democratic participation.
“This is a textbook example of administrative power being misused to undermine citizen rights. It sets a dangerous precedent that needs immediate legal and institutional correction,” said Dr. Liu Hsiao-ting, a constitutional law professor at National Chengchi University.
Context: Who is Fu Kun-chi?
Fu Kun-chi, the lawmaker at the center of the recall, has long been a controversial figure in Taiwanese politics. Once convicted of insider trading and sentenced to prison, Fu returned to public office after serving his time — a move that deeply divided the electorate.
Critics see Fu as emblematic of the entrenched political elite, while supporters claim he has been unfairly targeted. The recall effort stems from a growing local dissatisfaction with his performance and alleged manipulation of political institutions.
Public Reaction and Political Ramifications
The public outcry following the February 5 visits triggered an avalanche of complaints and media scrutiny. Civil groups, including the Taiwan Association for Human Rights, are demanding that an independent investigation be launched and stronger legal safeguards for whistleblowers and petitioners be enacted.
Lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and smaller parties such as the New Power Party (NPP) have used the incident to call for urgent reforms in civil servant neutrality, privacy protection, and clearer boundaries on election oversight roles.
❓FAQs
What were the Hualien officials indicted for?
They were indicted for unauthorized use of personal data and abusing administrative power by sending personnel to verify recall petition signatures, violating both privacy laws and electoral neutrality.
Who is Fu Kun-chi and why was he being recalled?
Fu is a KMT lawmaker with a controversial past, including a prison sentence for insider trading. Citizens launched a recall petition citing dissatisfaction with his performance and ethical concerns.
Why is this case significant for Taiwan?
It raises concerns about civil servant neutrality, protection of civil liberties, and how public institutions may be used for political intimidation, which could undermine public trust in democratic systems.
What consequences might the indicted officials face?
Prosecutors are seeking heavy penalties, especially for Ming Liang-chen, who showed no remorse. The court will determine sentencing based on the degree of individual culpability.
How has the public responded to this incident?
With strong criticism. Civil rights groups, legal experts, and political figures are calling for reforms and safeguards to prevent misuse of administrative power in future electoral processes.
