Update 2024/08/12, 5:20 p.m.
At a press conference, Campaign Deputy Director Chen Zhi-han (陳智菡) stated that the controversy began when event contracting company Shi Le mentioned last week that the campaign had declared NT$5 million (US$153,817) in expenses. The company clarified that these expenses included collections and payments on behalf of media advertising and live broadcasts but not broadcasting services.
Chen stated that receipts confirmed the campaign had commissioned Shi Le to collect and pay the broadcasting fees. The events covered included a Taichung event on Jan. 6, a Kaohsiung event on Jan. 7, and a pre-election night event on Jan. 12.
Chen emphasized that numerous expenses were incurred, including the production of small campaign items and venue fees. Due to the many items, the campaign headquarters’ finance department entrusted the accounting work to accountant Tuan Mu-cheng (端木正).
The team discovered an underreported amount exceeding NT$18.17 million (US$558,974). An inquiry with Tuan revealed that numerous instances of underreporting occurred due to “time constraints.”
Tuan arbitrarily adjusted the amounts into nine separate payments to companies such as Shi Le, Ni Ao, and Muko without informing anyone at campaign headquarters. According to Chen, the campaign headquarters was completely unaware of these actions.
TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) Chair Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) held a press conference Monday (Aug. 12) afternoon to address allegations of misreporting presidential campaign donations, with expenditures flowing into public relations firm Muko (木可公關公司).
The company is associated with Ko and his campaign director, Huang Shan-shan (黃珊珊). Muko Chairman Lee Wen-chuan (李文娟) announced Monday that due to recent controversies and criticisms, it has decided to "suspend operations immediately” and proceed with legal liquidation.
The TPP admitted to accounting errors last week, intensifying the controversy.
Muko said the company was founded to promote Ko’s presidential campaign. It hoped to combine Taiwanese businesses with innovation to create high-quality products, gathering more support to foster a deeper commitment to Ko’s ideals.
Muko said all remaining profits after liquidation will be donated to charity, fulfilling a pledge to supporters. It also hoped to continue the company's mission of building a better Taiwan, it said.
