( Reuter )- Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda on Sunday rejected calls for his defense chief to resign, saying he was needed to reform the scandal-ridden defense ministry, Kyodo news agency said.
defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba has been harried by accusations of a cover-up over the circumstances behind a collision between a destroyer and a fishing boat earlier this month.
Ishiba has admitted the ministry's handling of the inquiry had flaws, but denied any attempt to hide information and pledged to resign if a cover-up was shown to have taken place.
"It is Minister Ishiba's responsibility to take charge of reform and create a ministry and armed forces trusted by the people," Kyodo quoted Fukuda as telling reporters after visiting the relatives of two men still missing after the collision.
The ministry is undergoing reforms after a series of bribery scandals and security leaks over the past year.
The loss of a minister seen by analysts and the electorate as one of his most competent would be a blow for Fukuda, whose support rates are already sagging.
His government is having trouble even appointing a new central bank governor in the face of objections by the powerful opposition.