Japanese farm minister apologizes for fund scandal

Source: Xinhua | 08-29-2008 16:02

TOKYO, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Seiichi Ota Friday apologized to nationals and supporters for making trouble because of his political funds record scandal which was exposed earlier this week.

Talking to reporters following a Cabinet meeting in the morning, Ota revealed the detailed expenditures for 2005 and 2006 and said he can provide receipts for about 90 percent of office and miscellaneous expenses in question, Kyodo News reported.

Ota said he was confident that the money has been appropriately used for right purposes and reiterated he will not step down.

"I am sorry for confusing the public and my supporters," he was quoted as saying.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura said at a separate press conference in the morning that he believed the farm minister can explain each yen of his expenditure and will win understanding.

Ota took office in the current post earlier this month in Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda's Cabinet reshuffle. He has been under fire since Tuesday when alleged misuse of political funds was exposed.

The opposition bloc has demanded that Ota step down and the ruling Liberal Democratic Party apologize to the public.

Editor:Gao Jia