Japan Premier looses public support over defense bills

Tokyo

Support for the government of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has plunged to an all-time low after it pushed unpopular defense bills through parliament despite public anger, according to a new poll.

Public approval for the cabinet slumped to 35 percent -- its lowest point since Abe came to power at the end of 2012 and down seven points from two weeks ago -- according to a poll published Sunday in the Mainichi Shimbun. 

Meanwhile, the government's disapproval rating surged eight points to 51 percent, added the newspaper, which has been critical of the nationalist premier.

Japan's lower house of parliament on Thursday passed controversial security bills that would expand the role of the military and could see Japanese troops fighting abroad for the first time since World War II.

The change marks a historic turning point for Japan, which has used its well-funded military frequently for disaster relief missions but has kept out of combat zones because of a clause in its US-imposed constitution. 

The bills have been sent to the upper house for review, but the lower house can override any conflicting verdict.

The approval was seen as a victory for nationalist Prime Minister Abe and other right-wingers, but the issue has galvanised public opinion and opponents say the bills are unconstitutional and undermine 70 years of national pacifism.