TOKYO: Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party is preparing to have former Secretary-General Akira Amari deliver a parliamentary speech mourning former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, sources familiar with the matter said Tuesday.

The move breaks with precedent, as opposition lawmakers have previously given memorial speeches for deceased former prime ministers from the LDP.

Abe was shot dead while making an election campaign speech in the city of Nara on July 8. 

 The speech is slated to be delivered at an extraordinary parliamentary session, expected to start on Aug. 3. The ruling bloc is planning to hold the extraordinary session for three days and the memorial speech on the final day.

Amari supported the Abe administration in roles including economic revitalization minister, and was viewed as being close with Abe and LDP Vice President Taro Aso.

Amari’s selection “reflects the wishes of the bereaved,” a senior LDP official said.

A memorial speech for former Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi in 2000 was given by former Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama from the Social Democratic Party, while a speech for former Prime Minister Masayoshi Ohira in 1980 was given by Japan Socialist Party chief Ichio Asukata.

The opposition is voicing complaints against having the speech for Abe delivered by Amari. Chinami Nishimura, secretary-general of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, told reporters that it is “a clear departure from conventions over memorial speeches.

Opposition parties also resisted the ruling coalition’s plan to hold the extraordinary parliamentary session for three days. They demand a longer session for deliberations on whether Japan should hold a state funeral for Abe. The state funeral is set for Sept. 27.

JIJI Press