KATHMANDU: Jigyan Kumar Thapa, who had been recommended for appointment as Nepal’s ambassador to Japan, has withdrawn his nomination following questions over a potential conflict of interest linked to his Japanese permanent residency status.
Parliamentary Hearing Committee Chair Bodha Narayan Shrestha informed the committee’s meeting in Singha Durbar on Monday that Thapa had decided to withdraw his name. Thapa told the committee he would submit a formal withdrawal application shortly.
Shrestha said Thapa took the decision after concerns were raised over the possible conflict of interest, although there was no legal obstacle to his appointment.
Thapa’s parliamentary hearing on October 14 was postponed after lawmakers questioned his Japanese permanent residency permit. Although he said he had already renounced the status, lawmakers sought clarification on the relevant provision of Article 291 of the Constitution and the timing of his renunciation.
The committee had sought details from the Japanese government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before proceeding with his hearing.
