Tsai Pi-chung (蔡碧仲/CNA file photo)

Taipei, Sept. 14 (CNA) Deputy Justice Minister Tsai Pi-chung (蔡碧仲) will take the post of acting magistrate of Hualien County, replacing Fu Kun-chi (傅崐萁), who has been sentenced to an eight- month prison term for stock speculation, Cabinet spokeswoman Kolas Yotaka (谷辣斯.尤達卡) said Friday.

Earlier this week, the Supreme Court rejected an appeal by Fu against the eight-month term, ruling that the case is now closed and that Fu must serve his term.

Fu was relieved of his post that same day, under the Local Government Act stipulating that heads of local governments be removed from their posts if they have been convicted of a crime and sentenced to terms of imprisonment.

In a statement, Kolas said Tsai will resign from his current position to officially assume his role in Hualien, effective Sept. 17.

The acting magistrate will continue to promote local policies and maintain administrative neutrality, she added.

Tsai, a law graduate of National Chengchi University, has extensive administrative qualifications and has previously served as a prosecutor in Penghu, Yunlin and Chiayi counties.

With the 9-in-1 elections fast approaching, Kolas said that through his relevant experience in the justice system, Tsai will ensure that the local elections go ahead with no problems in November.

(By Elaine Hou, Liu Shih-i and Ko Lin)
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