Chaudhry Calls Out PM Rabuka Over Malimali Suspension Controversy

Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry has challenged Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka over contradictory statements regarding the Judicial Services Commission’s (JSC) decision to send Barbara Malimali on leave instead of suspending her.

Chaudhry pointed to comments made by Janet Mason, Counsel assisting the Commission of Inquiry (COI), who told The Fiji Times on February 22 that Rabuka had written to the President requesting Malimali’s suspension, but the letter was somehow redirected back to the JSC.

This, he said, contradicts Rabuka’s public claim that the matter is "out of his jurisdiction" (Fiji Sun, February 26).

Chaudhry also cited New Zealand King’s Counsel, Professor Philip Joseph, who stated that the Prime Minister had the authority to directly recommend Malimali’s suspension to the President, aligning with the COI’s request.

“It may not be a Constitutional Offices Commission (COC) matter, but it is definitely a matter for the Prime Minister.

Having commissioned the Inquiry, it is the PM’s responsibility to see it through if he is serious about removing the rot in his government,” Chaudhry said.

He urged Rabuka to provide a clear stance on the issue, calling for an end to what he described as "endless contradictions, hedging, and evasion of issues."