NEW TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Hon Hai founder Terry Gou visited the Shunsheng Temple in Tucheng District, New Taipei City, on Thursday (July 27) to pay homage to the Holy Emperor Guan.
Surrounded by the temple's worshippers, Gou shared his three blessings for the nation: peace, economic prosperity, and an effective and honest government to deliver judicial and housing justice for the people.
Announcing his upcoming month-long trip to the United States, the business tycoon emphasized his choice to make Tucheng his first stop because it was Hon Hai's headquarters.
Gou received enthusiastic cheers from his supporters at the temple, shouting "President" and "Let Gou run for the election," despite his recent failed attempt to become the opposing Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate to run for the 2024 election.
As Gou has become more active and vocal about political affairs in recent years, there is wide speculation that he will run for the presidency as an independent candidate after a failed attempt to become the KMT's presidential candidate in 2020.
"I hope you will not let me down and give me full support. I promise to give you a different future. I often say that the people of Taiwan need changes as it brings hope to everyone," Gou told the crowd earlier that day.
KMT presidential campaign manager, King Pu-tsung, revealed that Gou called him before the party's announcement to make New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih its candidate, asking if he wanted to be a 'king' or 'kingmaker.'
"Taiwan has become a democratic society for over 30 years. How can someone still want to be a 'kingmaker?' This is outdated thinking," Gou replied.