By KHT Staff
KAOHSIUNG — The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Kaohsiung headquarters announced on April 21 that it will not nominate Liu Yu-teng (劉淯騰), the current chief of Zizhu Village (自助里) in Zuoying District, for the upcoming 2026 local elections.
The decision follows recent media reports revealing that Liu was convicted of drug driving 12 years ago. The party is considering expelling Liu, 39, who reportedly tested positive for Ketamine at the time of the offense.
“Zero Tolerance” policy
In a statement issued on April 22, the DPP Kaohsiung City Party Headquarters reaffirmed its unwavering “Zero Tolerance” policy toward drunk/drug driving. The Nomination Committee for Village Chiefs concluded that Liu’s past conviction created an unacceptable conflict with the party’s fundamental anti-drug stance, leading to the decision to withhold nomination.
The party’s disciplinary committee has launched an assessment mechanism and is prepared to impose the most severe punishment, which may include permanent expulsion from the party.
Should a mistake made a dozen years ago be disqualifying?
Liu Yu-teng issued a personal statement early on April 22, addressing the 12-year-old offense. “I choose to face the mistake I made as a young man with reflection and sincerity,” Liu said. “I have never run away from my past.”
Liu described the conviction as a “critical life lesson” that taught him humility and a deeper understanding of responsibility. He further urged the public to judge his value not just by a “mistake from many years ago,” but by how he rose from that fall and the contributions he is making to society today.
Despite the setback, Liu stated that his team will continue all planned community activities and local administration duties without interruption.
