Jigyan Kumar Thapa Withdraws Nomination as Nepal Ambassador to Japan

Jigyan Kumar Thapa, the proposed ambassador of Nepal to Japan, has officially withdrawn his name from the parliamentary hearing and appointment process. The head of the parliamentary hearing panel informed members during a meeting held at Singha Durbar in Kathmandu that Thapa submitted a written request to step aside. Questions regarding Thapa's suitability were raised after lawmakers highlighted potential conflict of interest issues, alongside concerns about his permanent residency status in Japan. Following these objections, the parliamentary hearing committee had suspended its initial hearing process to allow for further investigation into his background. In his letter addressed to the parliamentary hearing panel, Thapa stated that occupying a public post is not the sole medium through which one can serve the nation and its citizens. He expressed his continued readiness to carry out any future responsibilities assigned by the government to foster national interest, development, and prosperity. Addressing the committee's decision, Chair Shrestha noted that managing and evaluating issues related to conflict of interest remains complex due to the absence of a dedicated act, despite existing good governance provisions. Meanwhile, Committee Secretary Tul Bahadur Kandel stated that formal correspondence regarding the suspension of the hearing process has been forwarded through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Cabinet. Thapa holds a master's degree in international relations and law from Yokohama National University, alongside a bachelor's degree in international cooperation from Shumei University. He had been working as an expert in public policy, multicultural affairs, and international cooperation at the Kanagawa International Foundation since 2009.