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Decision on Parliamentary Secretaries Wednesday, August 6, 2008 JAPANESE

At the extraordinary Cabinet meeting on the afternoon of August 6, the parliamentary secretaries of the Fukuda Cabinet were decided, following the decision on senior vice-ministers made on the previous day. The leading figures of all the ministries and agencies of the reshuffled Fukuda Cabinet were thus decided. In the evening, Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda delivered letters of appointment to the new parliamentary secretaries, who had assembled at the Prime Minister's Office. The Prime Minister then attended a commemorative photograph session, which was also joined by Mr. Nobutaka Machimura, Chief Cabinet Secretary, and others, and participated in the first meeting of the parliamentary secretaries that followed the commemorative photograph session. Prime Minister Fukuda said, "I would like you to leverage your power as politicians to the consolidation and coordination of each of your respective ministries, while ensuring sufficient communications with Ministers, senior-vice ministers, and your colleagues, the parliamentary secretaries. What is important is for you to always think as politicians and act in full cooperation with civil servants of the Government. I want you all to keep this point in mind. Japan is now at a major turning point. Please embark steadily on your parliamentary secretary jobs, always bearing in mind that you are in a position to navigate the administrative body in such challenging times."