Former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori may be probed by the Liberal Democratic Party over what role, if any, he played in the decision by the party*s largest faction to continue an unlawful kickback scheme.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida made the announcement during a session of the Upper House Budget Committee on Thursday morning, marking a new phase in the party*s response to an ongoing slush fund scandal that has hit the administration*s popularity.

※In order to clarify his political responsibility, he (Mori) could become the subject of further hearings from the party, as he*s one of those connected to the matter,§ Kishida said, adding that he had yet to decide the exact target and scope of the additional probe.