The Fiji Labour Party (FLP) has ramped up pressure on Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, calling on him to immediately release the Commission of Inquiry (COI) report, warning that any further delay will be seen as “weak leadership”.
In a strongly worded statement, FLP leader Mahendra Chaudhry said backlash from those implicated in the report and their threats of legal action were “to be expected, as face-saving measures”.
Mr Chaudhry said the Prime Minister must not be deterred from “doing the right thing” and ensuring the rule of law is upheld.
“Any more delays and prevarication by the PM will be seen as weak leadership,” Mr Chaudhry said.
“The Prime Minister must realise that his government has been wracked by one scandal after another since it took office, much of it due to his own indecisive leadership style.
“We now know that at least nine people, including Cabinet ministers, committed perjury by lying under oath, obstructed and perverted the course of justice.
“These are very serious findings and those implicated are not fit to hold public office.”
He also pointed to “shocking” revelations by Justice David Ashton-Lewis that five senior Government members had “terrible accusations made against them” and that complaints had been lodged with FICAC.
“Such revelations have further eroded confidence in the Rabuka Government.”
He also accused the Government of enabling a culture of “corruption, treachery, scheming and manipulation,” and said the public is demanding justice — “regardless of rank or status”.
