Lee Yen-sung Clarifies He Was Not Forced Out Over the Senao Case

Chunghwa Telecom Chairman Lee Yen-sung came forward yesterday to clarify that there was no instance of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications pressuring him to buy Senao shares or otherwise forcing him out. He stated that he voluntarily tendered his resignation to the minister.

Chunghwa Telecom held an impromptu press conference at 10:30 a.m. yesterday to explain media reports that Minister of Transportation and Communications Yeh Kuang-shih had pressured Chunghwa Telecom into buying shares of Senao International. Lee Yen-sung personally took the hot seat to explain.

Lee Yen-sung stated that he reached retirement age on January 7 of this year, had discussed the matter with his family beforehand, and decided not to seek reappointment. In mid-November of last year, he personally went to the minister's office to explain his intention to resign. He emphasized, "I was not forced out."

Chunghwa Telecom Senior Vice President of Business Operations Hsieh Chi-mao explained that Chunghwa Telecom and Senao held differing views on channel strategy. The minister did indeed meet with representatives of both sides in July of last year to coordinate discussions on "whether Chunghwa Telecom should increase its stake in Senao" or "switch to a pure business relationship." Lee Yen-sung clarified that the Senao matter had nothing to do with him personally.

KMT Legislator Alex Tsai revealed on the 15th that Minister of Transportation and Communications Yeh Kuang-shih had demanded Chunghwa Telecom Chairman Lee Yen-sung buy Senao shares at a high price, and had also attended a lavish banquet hosted by Senao Chairman Lin Pao-yung.