Critics Of Security Legislation Issue Statement


Critics of security legislation issue statement

A group of scholars opposed to Japan's 2016 security legislation has issued a statement demanding to know why Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide refused to appoint six new members to the Science Council of Japan.

The group's founders include the six scholars who were recommended for membership in the council, Japan's leading academic body, but rejected by Suga.

The group said in its statement on Wednesday that the law governing the Science Council declares independence from the government. It said it limits the prime minister's authority to appoint new members, out of regret over state-imposed restrictions on academic freedom and thought before and during World War Two.

The statement describes the prime minister's refusal to appoint candidates selected and recommended by the council as an obvious violation of the law. It says the move breaches academic freedom and could lead to the suppression of freedom of thought and expression.

The group asks that the six candidates be given membership as soon as possible.

Maskawa Toshihide, a Nobel Physics laureate, is one of the group's founders. He issued a statement on Wednesday saying the prime minister's reckless act would be long denounced in history. He said it leaves a stain on the Science Council, which was created out of wartime remorse.

Keio University Professor Oguma Eiji, a historical sociologist, said even a person who has been elected to power must obey the rules and follow legally-set procedures.

Oguma also expressed concern that the government's refusal to disclose the reason for rejecting the appointments could create a breeding ground for non-transparent discrimination.

Kobe College Professor Emeritus Uchida Tatsuru, a philosopher, said the administration's involvement in academia is extremely problematic as it undermines academic presentation, and, in the long run, Japan's national interests.