Fiji’s Leader of Opposition Inia Seruiratu has called on the government to immediately release the full findings of the recent Commission of Inquiry (COI).
In a statement, Seruiratu said the public has a right to access the full report, which was submitted to the President and Prime Minister earlier this month.
The inquiry, which examined the legality and integrity of the appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), has reportedly made serious recommendations about institutional governance.
“Transparency is the bedrock of our democratic system, and every citizen deserves unfettered access to the facts that shape our collective governance,” said Seruiratu. “Withholding such a report not only undermines public trust but also obstructs our national progress towards informed accountability.”
His statement comes amid concerns raised about the fate of the 682-page report, which was compiled following a nine-week inquiry led by Justice David Ashton-Lewis and assisted by legal counsel Janet Mason. The inquiry featured testimony from 35 witnesses and, while prompted by a single appointment, expanded into a broader examination of institutional structures and governance.
Seruiratu argued that the timing of the COI report aligns with two key pieces of legislation expected to be introduced soon: the Code of Conduct Bill and the Transparency Bill.
“This is a pivotal moment for the government to demonstrate that its commitment to openness is genuine and far more than mere rhetoric,” he added. “The release of the COI report would clearly affirm that forthcoming reforms are built on a solid foundation of accountability.”
Seruiratu’s comments also come after Mason told the Fiji Sun that both the Prime Minister and the President had been provided with two versions of the report — one complete and confidential, the other redacted for possible public dissemination.
Mason said that patience was needed, and rejected any suggestion that the time being taken to review the report should be mistaken for reluctance to release it.
The COI report was submitted early this month.
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