Fiji Labour Party calls on PM to release Commission of Inquiry report

The Fiji Labour Party (FLP) has called on Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to immediately release the Commission of Inquiry (COI) report and act decisively against those criminally implicated in its findings.

In a strongly worded statement, the Party said even the Army Commander has now expressed concern at the report not being made public.

“Prime Minister Rabuka must stop shuffling around and quibbling with words,” the FLP said.

“His statement to The Fiji Times today that ‘being implicated and being charged’ are two different things when questioned about Cabinet ministers mentioned in the report is mere semantics, and fuels further suspicions that certain people are being protected.”

The FLP said the Prime Minister must get on with the job.

“You wanted the ‘rot’ in your government cleaned up. You now have an independent report that probed into the entire saga surrounding the appointment of Barbara Malimali and came up with a comprehensive 600-plus-page report with recommendations on what needs to be done to clear up the rot.

“People want action. The law must be applied equally to all. There are still those seriously implicated in the drama last September who must be held to account and brought to justice.”

The Party warned that continued delays only create more uncertainty and speculation, undermining the rule of law and public confidence in the government.

“It is most appalling that sinister attempts are now being made to undermine the integrity of the report and the principles involved in it.”

The Party also expressed concern about what it described as attempts to discredit Janet Mason, the senior counsel assisting the Commission of Inquiry.

“Particularly appalling is the manner in which attempts are being made to undermine the character and credibility of Janet Mason. There is an outrageous interview in The Fiji Times today where Ms Mason is being practically badgered by its reporter for what was described as her ‘post-engagement public commentary(ies)’.”

The FLP said the reporter echoed the views of Fiji Law Society President Wylie Clarke, who was quoted as saying that having done her job, it is not for Janet Mason “to comment further” (P3, FT, 4 June).

“Ms Mason needs no support from us. She shows she is quite capable of holding her own ground. And she voices the sentiments of many when she responds:

‘Your questions reek of bias… I am asked questions by the media and I answer them where I can. I hope the public can see that, at times, they are being hoodwinked by a small cabal of individuals who are propped up by certain biased journalists.’”

The Labour Party concluded its statement by urging the Prime Minister to release the report in full and act on its findings.

“Yes Prime Minister. The only way to clear the air is to release the COI report to the public and action its recommendations. After all, you said you wanted the ‘rot’ in your government removed. Or have you changed your mind again?”