TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Hung Sun-han (洪申翰) will serve as the new labor minister following the resignation of his predecessor over a suicide caused by alleged bullying, reports said Saturday (Nov. 23).

Minister Ho Pei-shan (何佩珊) tendered her resignation over the outcry surrounding the death of an employee at a Ministry of Labor department. While not directly involved in the incident, her handling of the matter caused widespread criticism.

Hung reportedly accepted the position of minister when he was invited Friday, per CNA. He is expected to be sworn in next week. Hung, 40, has a record as an environmental and labor rights activist before being elected to the Legislative Yuan in 2020.

Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) said Hung had won the trust of the labor movement, and was suited to take over the department at short notice, Radio Taiwan International reported. The new minister would have to improve the working climate within the ministry while presenting a complete labor policy in tune with the nation’s development, according to Cho.