TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Minister of Transportation and Communications Lee Men-yen (李孟諺) faced allegations of a decade-long extramarital affair on Monday (Aug. 19) and subsequently verbally resigned later that afternoon, expressing deep regret for the distress caused to his wife and family, and acknowledging the negative public perception resulting from his actions.
Lee issued a statement apologizing for his past behavior and its impact on his loved ones and the public. He also verbally resigned to President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), hoping his personal conduct would not erode public confidence in the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) staff and administrative team.
Initially scheduled to take the high-speed rail from Zuoying to Taipei at 12:55 p.m. on Monday, Lee changed his plans after inspecting the Kenting Weather Radar Station. Following the affair allegations, he opted to board the high-speed rail from Tainan station, avoiding the media accompanying him on the inspection.
The unfolding events have cast a shadow over the MOTC. Observers now await further developments and official responses from President Lai and Premier Cho regarding Lee's resignation.