TAIPEI – The mother of a drink-driving victim protested outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Thursday, demanding that the Tsai administration replace Taiwan’s top envoy to Singapore after he failed a roadside sobriety test just days following his official swearing-in.
The protester, Taiwan Against Drunk Driving President Emma Chen, urged President Tsai Ing-wen to replace the top envoy to Singapore, Antonio Chiang, calling Chiang’s actions “disgraceful.”
Chiang was caught drunk driving by police on Wednesday night and was charged with an offence against public safety, leading to an apology on Thursday morning.
Chiang stressed that it was unacceptable to drink-drive, and said he had reflected on his actions.
“I’m extremely ashamed, and I apologise (for drunk-driving)” he told local media.
In response to the protests, Presidential Office spokesman Alex Huang stressed that Chiang had already been penalised, amid anger from the public and Kuomintang (KMT) politicians, who have also demanded Chiang’s removal, saying Taiwan would “lose face” if Chiang remained in post.
Huang reiterated that Chiang’s actions were “a bad example” for the public.
Chen is the mother of drink-driving victim Tseng Yu-tzu, a National Taiwan University doctor and a student of now Taipei City Mayor Ko Wen-je.
Tseng was killed in 2013, succumbing to brain damage after Ko was unable to save his life.
Plans for Chiang to Go On as Usual
Plans for Chiang to take up his post in Singapore are not expected to be affected, he said.
Foreign Minister David Lee however, also expressed his disappointment about the drunk driving incident.
There are rumours that Chiang was originally set to travel to Singapore Thursday afternoon, but Presidential Office officials denied claims it had postponed Chiang’s flight, saying it was always scheduled for August 8.
Calls for Stringent Action
Chen said that most people only know that they shouldn’t drink-drive after something bad takes place.
“But our own government officials have disregarded their own actions as well.”
Expressing her hopes of seeing the new government carry out reforms, Chen said that the government had to take action and eradicate the mindset among people who engage in drink-driving that they won’t be unlucky and get stopped by the police, or have an accident.
She also suggested that government officials who drink-drive should be given poor performance demerits – a bid to combat Taiwan’s drinking culture.
“Otherwise, solely relying on legislative efforts and police sobriety tests is useless,” Chen said.
Chiang was stopped for a roadside sobriety test by police in Taipei late Wednesday night, violating the law after tests showed a 0.27-ml blood alcohol level.
Local regulations stipulate that an investigation is required if a 0.25-ml blood alcohol level is detected.
Chiang admitted he had consumed alcohol when dining with friends earlier, in celebration of his appointment as envoy.
He was sent to the Taipei Prosecutors Office at 1am on Wednesday.
The diplomat was reportedly very courteous and cooperative during the investigation, and was later released by prosecutors.
