KATHMANDU: The parliamentary hearing committee has deferred its decision on the nomination of Jigyan Kumar Thapa as the ambassador to Japan until after the Dashain festival.

The committee postponed the decision following concerns raised regarding Thapa’s permanent residency (PR) status in Japan, his property holdings, family background, and past business engagements.

During the committee meeting, members expressed differing views on whether to approve or reject his nomination. Kabindra Burlakoti, chief whip of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, suggested that the decision should be postponed as further documentation is still required.

Conversely, CPN lawmaker Barshaman Pun argued that Thapa’s nomination should be rejected due to issues surrounding his Japanese residency status. Other members also raised questions regarding his family ties and his compliance with the criteria stipulated in the directive for ambassadorial appointments.

Committee Chairman Bodh Narayan Shrestha announced that the decision would be made only after Dashain after hearing the members’ concerns. Complaints filed against Thapa allege that he had stated in a 2018 interview that he held a Japanese PR and resided in the country.

The complainants have requested an official investigation into the current status of his residency, his property in Kanagawa prefecture, his business investments, and his financial liabilities.

During the session, lawmakers questioned Thapa on his ties to Japan and his eligibility for the post. CPN-UML lawmaker Padma Aryal questioned whether Thapa had renounced his PR solely for the purpose of the appointment and inquired about the residency status of his wife and children. Other lawmakers also sought clarification on his assets and family situation.

Although Thapa responded to the questions posed by the committee members, the committee concluded that a decision would only be reached after a thorough review of additional documents.