LDP drafts proposals to reform top academic body

Dec 10, 2020 | News On Japan

Dec 10, 2020 (NHK) - A working group of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party is set to propose making the country's leading academic body independent of the government.

The group completed a set of draft proposals for reforming the Science Council of Japan at a meeting on Wednesday. It plans to submit the proposals to the government soon.

The council is designated as a "special organization" under the jurisdiction of the prime minister. It makes policy recommendations to the government and public.

Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide recently refused to appoint six scholars nominated by the council for membership. The move sparked criticism over infringing academic freedom.

Suga has defended his decision, stressing the need for diversity of members as few are chosen from among younger candidates or the private sector. He also cited a lack of balance in terms of universities attended by members and where they are from.

Wednesday's proposals state that it is hard to say the council has adequately fulfilled expected functions.

The group proposes that the council restart as a new body independent of the government so it can play necessary roles and maintain its political neutrality.

It also proposes introducing a new method for choosing council members to make the process transparent and stricter. It cites a voting system as a possible option.

The proposals suggest that researchers working at companies and young candidates should also be considered for council membership.

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