Hualien: The Hualien County Government announced plans to file a lawsuit against Pegatron Corporation Chairman Tung Tzu-hsien, accusing him of making “false accusations” regarding the county officials’ handling of donations intended for earthquake-affected schools.

According to Focus Taiwan, Tung alleged in a video that more than NT$70 million was donated by him and Pegatron Corporation following the 2024 Hualien earthquake. However, he claimed that an experienced charity worker advised against directing the funds to the county government. Tung, speaking on a video released by the civic group “New Beginning Hualien,” expressed initial disbelief but confirmed the claims after further investigation.

Tung recounted his team’s efforts to aid an elementary school directly, only to be met with threats from the Hualien County Government, which insisted that all donations be funneled through the county. Born in Ruisui Township, Tung decided to send construction teams to repair damaged infrastructure independently to avoid “disaster-stricken institutions being threatened.”

The Pegatron chairman also criticized Fu Kun-chi and county magistrate Hsu Chen-wei for their prolonged control over the county, alleging that their leadership stifled opportunities for the younger generation.

In response, the Hualien County Government issued a press release refuting Tung’s claims, stating they had “not received any relevant information” about the NT$70 million donation. The county emphasized that private donors are welcome to contribute directly to schools through a simplified donation process designed to encourage public support.

Chen Chien-tsun, director of the county’s Research and Administration Department, dismissed Tung’s statements as unverified and suggested they might be politically motivated. Tung’s return to his home county coincided with his participation in a recall campaign against Fu Kun-chi.