Disclosure Request Over Science Council Rejected
Japan's administrative offices have turned down a request to disclose information on why Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide refused to appoint six nominees to the Science Council of Japan, the country's leading academic body.
The six scholars requested that the Cabinet Office and the Cabinet Secretariat disclose documents on why and how their membership appointment was refused.
Waseda University Professor Okada Masanori was one of the six scholars. He told reporters on Monday that the Cabinet Office decided to reject the request, citing a possible disruption to fair and smooth appointments.
Okada said the grounds presented by the Cabinet Office for its decision do not constitute a reason for keeping the documents hidden from the individuals concerned.
As for the Cabinet Secretariat, it reportedly rejected the disclosure request, saying it doesn't keep such information.
Okada says the Secretariat's management of documents should be questioned, because it's obvious such information and papers were exchanged within the office.
Okada says he will consult with the five other scholars before deciding on future responses.