Fiji’s Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj has called for the immediate release of the full Commission of Inquiry report and the names of nine individuals accused of misconduct.
He has also criticised the government’s delay in releasing the names, calling it “suspicious and unacceptable.”
“We’ve heard the COI report names nine people, including Cabinet members, for serious actions,” Maharaj said in a statement. “If there are 9 people accused of wrongdoing in a report that costs taxpayers money, the public has an absolute right to know who they are.”
The Commission, led by Justice David Ashton-Lewis, investigated the appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). However, during its nine-week proceedings, the inquiry uncovered other issues, including corruption and alleged perjury by senior officials.
Justice Ashton-Lewis, speaking in an interview with Australian radio station 4CRB, confirmed that nine individuals were found to have either lied under oath or obstructed justice in relation to Malimali’s appointment. According to media reports, the nine include senior lawyers and high-ranking judiciary officials.
Last week, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka told the media that the full report, along with a redacted version, has been handed over to FICAC and the Police for further investigation. He made particular mention of chapter 7, which names specific individuals and the need to protect the integrity of the investigations.
However, Maharaj did not seem satisfied with the approach, stating, “Transparency, not secrecy, to ensure accountability and trust in our leaders.”
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