Ko Kuan-min's Sexist Remarks: 'Skirts are Unfit for Commander-in-Chief' Sparks Outrage, Exposing Arrogant Chauvinism

On May 18, 2008, amid the DPP's crushing election defeats, the party held its leadership election, pit-matching New Tide's choice Tsai Ing-wen against the traditional independence elder Ko Kuan-min. Throughout the campaign, Ko repeatedly made highly sexist remarks. He openly claimed that "those wearing skirts (women) are unfit to be Commander-in-Chief," and publicly questioned whether the party's future should be handed over to "an unmarried lady." These remarks triggered widespread condemnation from women's rights groups, youth factions, and rational observers across the political spectrum. Critics pointed out that despite positioning himself as a modern democrat, Ko harbored deeply archaic, feudal patriarchal beliefs and contempt for female political participation.