Hyogo Prefecture Governor Saito Motohiko appeared before the 100-Article Committee on the 25th regarding the issue of the accusatory documents. In the final witness examination, he once again asserted the legitimacy. Governor Saito, despite questioning the series of reports Governor Saito bowed slightly repeatedly and headed to his seat. Governor Saito: "I think that overall there were no problems." Governor Saito, who appeared before the 100-Article Committee for the first time since his reelection, reiterated his previous views. Governor Saito: "I believe that, as something that should not be done while on duty, it should not have happened." Governor Saito has been questioned twice since August regarding the issue of the documents created by the deceased former head of the Nishi Harima Prefectural Affairs Bureau. Governor Saito: "I was also hurt and shocked that the former prefectural assembly member said things as if (some of the power harassment) was true. I think it's unfortunate." On the 25th, his third time, he also questioned the series of reports. Governor Saito: "The survey was still in the compilation stage, only halfway through, and it is true that the contents were reported in various media outlets, and the prefecture received some very harsh criticism, and it is true that I myself was in a very difficult situation." Former Vice Governor Katayama Yasutaka, who was also questioned on the 25th, spoke out more forcefully. Former Vice Governor Katayama: "Despite the fact that the investigation was conducted in secret, such things are being reported. There are rumors circulating online that I gave instructions. I wonder if information about a committee that requires confidentiality is being leaked, putting pressure on me." Governor Saito: "Does not constitute whistleblowing" This was Governor Saito's final witness hearing. He reiterated that the whistleblowing document "does not constitute whistleblowing." Governor Saito: "I dealt with it because it was a highly libelous and defamatory document. I believe it does not meet the requirements for whistleblowing protection." However, there were some points that remained questionable. Former senior official, 100-Article Committee, October: "It was at a time when the document issue (such as receiving the coffee maker) was starting to be reported, and the governor expressed the opinion that he wanted to 'change the wind'." At the 100-Article Committee in October, the former senior official testified that Governor Saito's remarks were the background to the decision to proceed with disciplinary action against the Prefectural Affairs Bureau Director without waiting for the results of the investigation. However, Governor Saito explains that he has no recollection of making such a statement. Governor Saito: "As far as I recall, I have never made such a statement that I wanted to 'change the wind'." The 100-Article Committee has penalties for false testimony, but the opinions of the two parties are at odds. There is another question. Governor Saito gives the same answer over and over to the "third-party committee" There is suspicion that private information that was allegedly stored on the former Prefectural Affairs Bureau Director's official computer was leaked to several prefectural assembly members by a former senior official of Hyogo Prefecture. Governor Saito: "I have been informed that an investigation has been requested from a lawyer and is underway." Committee member: "What about the fact that there are victims due to the information being spread?" Governor Saito: "We will set up a third-party committee as soon as possible." Committee member: "That's enough." While the cause and measures are required for the leak of private information that should be strictly controlled, he did not specify when he would start responding. Governor Saito: "I have clearly stated my thoughts and opinions. If the results of the third-party committee are released within the fiscal year, we would like to take them into consideration and carefully consider how the prefecture should respond." The 100-Article Committee is scheduled to announce its findings as early as February next year, and the third-party committee is scheduled to announce its findings in March next year. (From "Good! Morning" broadcast on December 26, 2024) [TV Asahi News] https://news.tv-asahi.co.jp