Privilege controversy over supplies for Chiang Wan-an’s son at Scout exam

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an says he acted as any parent would when his son called from a Scout examination camp during a cold front and heavy rain.

Chiang’s son, Chiang Te-li, had said that rain entered his tent during the examination, prompting him to call home. Chiang Wan-an then drove supplies to the camp. The account led to questions about whether the mayor’s son had received special treatment or gained an advantage.

The Taipei Scouts Association issued a statement saying the camp had informed all participants that they could ask their parents to deliver additional clothing if they lacked adequate protection from the cold. The association said the notice applied uniformly and was issued because of the weather, not for any particular participant.

Asked about the episode on the morning of Sept. 4, Chiang said the association’s statement had made the situation clear. “I believe, as parents, if they could, everyone would immediately hurry to add and send the relevant clothing,” he said. He added that once parents received the notice, it was natural to quickly send whatever clothing they could prepare.

Some people continued to question the arrangement, arguing that participants had already been told to prepare their clothing before going into the mountains. Chiang repeated that the Scouts Association had addressed the matter in its statement and said he had simply responded as a parent after receiving the notice.

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I believe, as parents, if they could, everyone would immediately hurry to add and send the relevant clothing.