Governor pledges to stay despite scandals

Tokyo Governor Yoichi Masuzoe on Monday did not show his intention to resign after a third-party investigation deemed that many of his uses of political funds were inappropriate.

Two lawyers appointed by Masuzoe found that among the governor's questionable use of political funds, it was inappropriate to use such funds for six stays at hotels and for 14 meals at restaurants near his residence in Tokyo and his villa in the town of Yugawara, Kanagawa prefecture. The lawyers, however, did not find any illegal payments or illegal use of such funds.

During a news conference to announce the findings, Masuzoe expressed his intention to remain in office.

"I'll draw a line between public and private affairs," he said. "I'll make my utmost effort to devote myself to the metropolitan government in an effort to restore the people's confidence in me."

Regarding the payments for hotel stays and restaurants that the lawyers deemed to be inappropriate, Masuzoe said he will donate the equivalent amounts to welfare organizations using his private assets.

When it came to the villa which Masuzoe has been criticized for frequently visiting using an official car, the governor said he will sell the facility as soon as possible.

Masuzoe was set to face rigorous inquiries from the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly. Inquiry sessions with assembly members will start Tuesday.

As of Thursday, the Tokyo metropolitan government received about 24,400 opinions from the public, most of which were criticisms of Masuzoe.

(China Daily 06/08/2016 page11)