The number two executive in Japan's ruling party has vowed to retain his post. Saturday's remarks came despite the arrests of three aides over a funding scandal that may affect government support ahead of a key mid-year election.

On late Friday, prosecutors arrested a Democratic Party of Japan lawmaker who had worked as Ichiro Ozawa's assistant, as well as a former aide, in connection with the funding scandal. A third deputy, already standing trial in a separate case, was arrested again on Saturday as well.

The scandal is likely to further erode voter backing for the Democrats as the opposition turns up the heat in the session of parliament that begins on Monday.

Speaking at his party's annual convention, Ozawa lashed out at the Tokyo prosecutors.

Ichiro Ozawa said, "I don't know if it was deliberate or not, but the arrests seem to have been timed to coincide with our party convention. I certainly cannot accept this way of doing things."

Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, who analysts say relies heavily on Ozawa's clout, also attended the annual convention. He apologized to the public for the confusion caused by the scandal.

Yukio Hatoyama, Japanese Prime Minister, said, "Our fellow party member, Tomohiro Ishikawa, was arrested just before our convention and regular Diet session, which is extremely troubling. As the leader of the ruling party, I would like to express my sincere regret for the people of Japan experiencing confusion and worry over this issue."

The Prime Minister added that he wants his lieutenant to remain in his position.

The 67-year-old Ozawa stepped down as party leader last May over a different scandal. But he still helped engineer the organization's electoral victory in August.