Pan Meng-an Waves Hand and Hits Reporter's Microphone! Yang Chi-yu Fires Back: Is This Lai Qing-te's Response to the Toxic Oil Scandal?

The carcinogen scandal involving Chung Lien Oils continues to escalate, prompting the Blue Camp to organize protests on Ketagalan Boulevard. On the 19th, Presidential Office Secretary-General Pan Meng-an attended a public event where a television reporter questioned him about the incident. Pan raised his hand, allegedly pushing the reporter's microphone. In response, former KMT spokesperson Yang Chi-yu challenged whether Pan's aggressive behavior symbolizes President Lai Qing-te's official stance on the toxic oil crisis.

Regarding the alleged push, the Presidential Office responded that Pan arrived late due to a delayed schedule, entering the venue after the event had already started. He followed Haichi Hui Chairman Su Jia-chuan into the venue to maintain normal proceedings. The Presidential Office explained that the aisle was narrow and large camera equipment was placed outside the designated media line, obstructing movement. To avoid bumping into photographers and equipment, Pan naturally raised his hand while passing. The office added that if Pan inadvertently touched any media personnel within the guest aisle, he expressed regret.

Yang Chi-yu posted on Facebook, questioning: 'Anger and violence—Is this President Lai Qing-te's latest response to the toxic oil scandal?' She claimed that when Pan attended the public event and was questioned by the media about the nationwide spread of the toxic oil issue, he not only ignored the inquiry but also used his elbow to push away the reporter while evading the question.

Yang emphasized that the reporter merely asked neutral questions—'What is the Presidential Office's latest position?' and 'How do you view the public taking to the streets?'—without any aggressive or provocative language. Despite this, Pan responded with violence. As Secretary-General of the Presidential Office, Pan's actions represent President Lai Qing-te; does this violent response symbolize Lai's stance on the toxic oil scandal?

Yang further stated that journalists, upholding their duty as the fourth estate, asked neutral, professional questions about a major food safety issue, only to be met with such violent treatment. Pan should not only apologize for the central government's negligence in the toxic oil incident but also apologize directly to the journalist representing press freedom.