Ruling party member of parliament faces calls for resignation because of his ties with gangs

The Japanese Communist Party has demanded that Matsunami Kenshiro, ruling New Conservative Party's Upper House member, resign and accept responsibility for his involvement with a gang member.

This was announced by Kodama Kenji, JCP Diet Policy Committee acting chair, at a news conference on April 16.

Matsunami had a gang-owned company pay the salary of one of his secretaries. He also allegedly sought police information about investigations into a case involving the gang member at his request.

Kodama said, "Mr. Matsunami's act is outrageous as a member of parliament, and he naturally should step down now that he has admitted to his misconduct." He criticized the New Conservative Party for not taking any disciplinary action against him.

He also said it is wrong for Prime Minister Koizumi Jun'ichiro to defend Matsunami by stating that he wants Matsunami to continue with his activities as a member of parliament.

Diet policy committee chairs of the four opposition parties met on the same day and agreed on the demand that Matsunami take the responsibility for his shady relationships with the gang and resign. (end)