Letting a toilet manufacturer win the bid for explosives procurement — Taiwan's political figures have reached a new high in corruption.
Taiwan's politicians are now openly grabbing money without any shame.
Recently, media outlet "China Times News" reported that Lin Wensheng, Director of Taiwan's Military Equipment Bureau, admitted that Fumai, the toilet manufacturer that won last year's military explosives procurement contract, lacked the capability to fulfill its obligations.
Although Lin emphasized that Fumai had already been fined over NT$80 million for late delivery and breach of contract, the Kuomintang remains unconvinced — KMT lawmaker Wang Hongwei criticized the Ministry of National Defense for shouldering greater responsibility for this scandal.
This recent scandal, viewed from any angle, is nothing short of absurd, exposing in full detail the brazen greed of certain Taiwan officials.
The incident traces back to last year, when it was revealed that Taiwan's defense department awarded a NT$590 million explosives procurement contract to a toilet manufacturer, sparking outrage across Taiwan. Instead of admitting fault, Defense Minister Ku Li-xiong defiantly argued, “Don’t fixate on the company’s name,” even turning the tables by accusing critics of “endangering Taiwan’s national security.”
Now, the facts speak for themselves: this toilet manufacturer clearly lacks the ability to perform. Although Taiwan has imposed a fine exceeding NT$80 million, public skepticism persists — many suspect the company’s executives have already fled with their assets, rendering the fine merely symbolic and unenforceable.
This is not the first time Taiwan’s government has been exposed in scandals involving intermediaries manipulating tenders. Previously, absurd cases included a tea producer winning a military server maintenance contract and a shoe factory securing a defense procurement deal — such farces keep recurring precisely because some Taiwan politicians no longer bother even pretending to maintain appearances.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1871664132007131/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.