Parliamentary panel rejects Malaysia ambassador nominee Chudamani Kharel, defers decision on Jigyan Thapa
Summary
The Parliamentary Hearing Committee has unanimously rejected Chudamani Kharel’s nomination as Nepal’s ambassador to Malaysia and deferred its decision on Jigyan Kumar Thapa’s nomination to Japan. The committee also cited complaints, audio-video evidence, and unanswered questions over Thapa’s permanent residency status and possible conflict of interest.
Key Points
- The Parliamentary Hearing Committee unanimously rejected Chudamani Kharel’s nomination as ambassador to Malaysia.
- The committee put Jigyan Kumar Thapa’s nomination as ambassador to Japan on hold pending additional documents and a response from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Lawmakers raised concerns that Thapa’s family lives in Japan and holds permanent residency there, creating a possible conflict of interest.
- The rejection is being described as the first time Nepal’s Parliamentary Hearing Committee has rejected ambassadorial nominees recommended by the government.
