Taipei: An internal investigation into allegations against two former employees of the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation has found no evidence of financial misconduct, according to an investigation committee's announcement on Sunday. According to Focus Taiwan, the committee confirmed that Hsiao Hsu-tsen, the foundation's former chief executive and current vice chair of the Kuomintang (KMT), did not influence the foundation's finances improperly. Additionally, the committee confirmed that Wang Kuang-tzu, another former employee, maintained thorough accounting records and documentation in her financial management role. The committee, comprising three members, conducted the investigation over a month and three days, reviewing foundation records and internal documents submitted to the board of directors in April. Despite their efforts, the committee described the investigation as challenging, citing incomplete records and the inability to interview all pertinent individuals. The committee noted that King Pu-tsung, a for mer secretary-general of the National Security Council and an associate of Ma, claimed to have been authorized by Ma to manage the allegations against Hsiao and Wang but failed to present any formal authorization. Hsiao and Wang departed from their roles in February amid allegations of a "power struggle" at the foundation, which Ma established in 2018 to facilitate public policy discussions on youth development, culture, and cross-strait relations. The investigation's findings have not alleviated the ongoing tensions surrounding Ma in recent months. In March, Ma suggested in an interview with the United Daily News that Hsiao and Wang's departures were linked to breaches of financial discipline, pointing to their interactions with Taiwanese businesspeople in China. Hsiao denied any wrongdoing, suggesting that Ma had forgotten key details, hinting at potential health issues. After the investigation results were released, Hsiao expressed gratitude for being exonerated, while criticizing what he perceived as e xploitative actions by King Pu-tsung against Ma's health concerns and the KMT. Ma, however, rejected the investigation's conclusions, citing discrepancies with the foundation's evidence and announced plans to hold a news conference. The foundation controversy has coincided with rumors regarding Ma's health, particularly dementia. Ma's family, including his wife Chow Mei-ching, issued a statement appointing Ma's sister, Ma Yi-nan, as his main executor for future medical and personal needs. Reports indicate Ma Yi-nan sought legal authority over Ma's major decisions through the Taipei District Court. Ma responded critically, asserting the statement was released without his consent and asserting his autonomy over personal affairs.
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