Tokyo: Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Thursday that people involved in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s political funds scandal will still be held accountable even after LDP factions are dissolved.

“Even if factions are dissolved, the accountability of those involved won’t disappear,” Kishida, also LDP president, told the House of Councillors, the upper chamber of parliament, referring to the slush fund scandal involving political fundraising parties hosted by LDP factions.

Kishida also showed readiness to promote discussions on political reform among ruling and opposition parties.

On discriminatory online posts by an LDP member against the country’s Ainu indigenous people, Kishida said, “No discrimination against the Ainu is acceptable.”

The government will take necessary steps after reviewing how an Ainu support law, which took effect about five years ago, is implemented, he said.

Kishida said that the government will work out measures as early as summer to prevent accidents similar to the Jan. 2 collision between a Japan Airlines passenger jet and a Japan Coast Guard plane at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport.

He expressed hopes that issues involving Taiwan will be resolved peacefully through dialogue. “Peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are important for the stability of the international community,” he said.

Kishida also said the government will help small businesses pass on higher costs to customers and improve productivity to ensure they raise wages.

JIJI Press