Taiwan’s newly appointed envoy to Singapore, Antonio Chiang, has quit over a drunk-driving incident before he had even taken up his post.
In a statement released Tuesday, Chiang said he felt guilty about causing the government trouble before taking the post. Meanwhile, the Presidential Office said it respects Chiang’s decision and will find a replacement.
Chiang was caught driving under the influence of alcohol last Tuesday, just hours after he had only just been sworn in as Taiwan’s new representative in Singapore. He was given deferred prosecution for one year.
Earlier, social and cultural critic Chen Fang-ming called on Chiang to step down to make things easier for President Tsai Ing-wen.
Chiang was deputy secretary-general of the National Security Council from 2000 to 2004 under former president Chen Shui-bian. A renowned political analyst, Chiang also said he has no interest in pursuing fame or government posts.