Japan’s PM Kishida to replace chief Cabinet secretary after funds scandal, say media report

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno is suspected of having failed to declare more than 10 million yen he received in the past five years from the biggest faction in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. - PHOTO: REUTERS

TOKYO (Bloomberg):Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will replace his Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno, the Yomiuri newspaper said, following slush fund allegations that threaten to paralyse his already ailing government.

A key cabinet member, Matsuno is suspected of concealing ¥10 million ($69,000) in income from fundraising events held by his faction within the long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party, the Asahi newspaper said on Friday.