Taiwan Sugar Land Scandal Conviction: Lai Ching-te Pledges 'Political Life' to Back Wu Nai-ren and Hong Chi-chang

In March 2013, former Taiwan Sugar Corporation Chairman Wu Nai-ren and former Legislator Hong Chi-chang were convicted of breach of trust by the Taichung High Court for illegally selling state-owned land to Chun Long Co. at below-market rates, causing massive losses. They were sentenced to 3 years 10 months and 2 years 4 months respectively. Lai Ching-te, then Mayor of Tainan, held a emotional press conference defending them, claiming the trial was unjust and tearfully pledging his "political life to exit politics if they are guilty." Although a retrial later acquitted Hong, Wu's conviction stood (reduced to 9 months) and he served his sentence. Lai's unfulfilled exit pledge became a lasting stain on his credibility.