Pan Meng-an Accused of 'Waving Away Reporter'! Presidential Office Clarifies: Raised Hand to Avoid Hitting Equipment

Presidential Office Secretary-General Pan Meng-an attended the founding rally of the Pingtung hometown support association today (19th). During the event, as reporters pressed him on the CPC carcinogenic oil scandal, he raised his arm to move past them, sparking public controversy. In response, the Presidential Office later issued a statement clarifying that due to a delayed schedule and the narrowness of the venue's aisle, Pan raised his hand naturally to avoid colliding with large camera equipment positioned along the pathway outside the designated media zone. The Office added that if any reporters who had entered the guest aisle were accidentally touched during this process, Pan expressed regret. The Presidential Office further explained that Pan arrived late to the event, and by the time he reached the venue, the ceremony had already begun. To ensure the event proceeded smoothly, Pan entered and took his seat alongside Mainland Affairs Council Chairman Su Chia-chyan. Given the narrow walkway inside the venue and the presence of large camera equipment on the pathway, Pan naturally raised his hand to avoid obstructing or damaging the equipment and photographers. The Presidential Office stated that Pan also expressed regret if any media personnel on the guest pathway were unintentionally contacted during this movement.