Bookkeeping scandal claims life of Japanese minister
Minister recently criticised over a scandal involving suspicious bookkeeping practices
A bookkeeping scandal has claimed the life of Japan’s agriculture minister,
Toshikatsu
Matsuoka, after he committed suicide in Tokyo.
Matsuoka had been criticized over a scandal involving suspicious bookkeeping
practices and was scheduled to appear before a parliamentary committee on Monday
for questioning.
He allegedly claimed more than $236,000 (?118,000) in utility fees even
though he rented a parliamentary office where utility costs are free.
Prime
minister Shinzo Abe had defended Matsuoka, claiming the minister’s funds
were properly handled and his dismissal from the cabinet was not needed.
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