TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Former KMT Spokesperson Hsiao Ching-yan (蕭敬嚴) has withdrawn from the party’s New Taipei City council primary following a backlash over his inclusion — despite his suspension.

Hsiao said he had experienced sustained attacks since launching his campaign, alleging they were intended to benefit factions within the KMT, per Liberty Times. He added that attacks targeting his supporters prompted his decision to withdraw, noting that winning the primary had already been sufficient.

Hsiao’s party membership was suspended over his criticism of KMT lawmakers during recall campaigns targeting party legislators. More than 20 KMT lawmakers voiced support Friday for his opponent, He Yuan-kai (何元楷), in opposition to Hsiao’s candidacy, per Liberty Times.

Lawmaker Lo Chih-chiang (羅智強) said allowing Hsiao to be nominated would signal to younger party members that “it is acceptable to backstab the party when it is fighting against the DPP.”  

KMT lawmaker Hsu Chiao-hsin (徐巧芯) presented what she said was evidence of Hsiao’s attacks on the party and its members, including more than 30 lawmakers, plus KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文), and former Chair Eric Chu (朱立倫), per China Times. The KMT’s New Taipei Branch also saw a surge of online criticism over Hsiao’s participation in the primary, per SETN.

Following Hsiao’s withdrawal, Hsu said he could remain in the party if he reflects on his actions and does not characterize criticism of his conduct as bullying, per ETtoday.