Pan Men-an Accused of Waving Away Reporter Over Carcinogen Oil? Presidential Office Explains: Accidental Contact

Presidential Office Secretary-General Pan Men-an faced controversy after an incident where he appeared to wave away a reporter inquiring about the Zhonglian carcinogen oil case. The event occurred during his attendance at the "Pingtung Hometown Support Association Founding Ceremony."

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During this time, if he simultaneously touched a media reporter who had entered the guest aisle, Pan Men-an expressed his apologies for this.

The Presidential Office has since clarified the situation, stating that Pan Men-an did not intentionally push the reporter. According to the office, Pan Men-an was running late for the event, which had already begun upon his arrival. To ensure the ceremony proceeded without disruption, he entered the venue with Taiwan Affairs Council Chairman Su Jia-chyuan.

The Presidential Office explained that the aisle at the venue was narrow. Large camera equipment was positioned in a way that could obstruct the path. Pan Men-an naturally raised his hand to avoid colliding with the cameras and their operators. If, during this movement, he inadvertently touched a reporter who had entered the guest aisle, the office expressed its apologies.

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Because the aisle at the venue was relatively narrow, and there was large camera equipment outside the interview line that appeared on the aisle's path, fearing it would obstruct the photography, Pan Men-an naturally raised his hand when passing the camera to avoid touching the photographer and equipment.

The statement emphasized that Pan Men-an's action was a spontaneous reaction to navigate the tight space and avoid equipment. The office conveyed regret for any discomfort caused to the media personnel involved.

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At that time, due to the delay in the schedule and the narrowness of the aisle, Pan Men-an raised his hand naturally to avoid collision with large camera equipment, and if he accidentally touched a reporter who entered the guest aisle, he expressed his apologies for this.