Shinzo Abe faces questioning by lawmakers on Japan's change to defence policy

Japan's opposition parties began questioning Prime Minster Shinzo Abe yesterday over the controversial issues of another sales tax rise and collective self-defence, criticising him for trying to bypass debate in the legislature.

"The prime minister is stubbornly refusing to discuss important issues," said Banri Kaieda, leader of the opposition Democratic Party of Japan as he kicked off the first day of a question and answer session about Abe's policy speech the day before.

"We should discuss in detail what matters to the people and their concerns, such as the issue of the right to collective self-defence, and clear explanations should be given to the Diet," Kaieda told Abe, referring to Japan's parliament.

In his policy speech to mark the start of a 63-day extraordinary Diet session, Abe said economic revitalisation is the major aim of his administration in order to beat nearly two decades of deflation. He said he has two main priorities - reviving local economies and increasing the participation of women in society.

But he did not go into detail about a further sales tax rise to 10 per cent next year from the current 8 per cent, or legalising Japan's landmark decision in July on the use of the right to collective self-defence.

"I will make a decision by the end of the year on another consumption tax hike to 10 per cent after fully examining economic conditions," Abe said, reiterating his stance.