Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica has criticised Justice David Ashton-Lewis for publicly commenting on the COI’s findings before their official release.
“I am not a lawyer so will not opine on Justice Lewis’s remarks. What I will say though is that the learned Judge showed no respect to His Excellency the President and Honourable PM by talking about the COI report publicly before its release,” he said.
“This is called veibeci and qaciqacia…disrespectful and arrogant.”
On whether he would raise a formal concern about the possible breach, Mr Kamikamica said; “I will address this fully when I have received the full COI (report).”
Mr Kamikamica responded to Justice Ashton-Lewis’s criticism of a “wannabe Prime Minister” who “smiled to the Prime Minister” in his 29 May interview with Queensland’s Radio 4CRB.
“I assume it is me because I do smile a lot,” Mr Kamikamica said.
“Only Justice Lewis can confirm.
“If it is me then I find his comments highly disrespectful, pathetic, no basis in fact and unnecessary.
“How would he know what my aspirations are?
“I joined the Honourable PM to get rid of the FijiFirst government. As far as I am concerned the focus is on rebuilding Fiji, not who becomes PM. That will be decided when the PM decides to step down.”
Pressed on whether he had ever expressed interest in leading the government, Mr Kamikamica said: “Never have and never will. Fiji needs stability.”
He confirmed that he is seeking legal advice ahead of the report’s release.
“Of course I am seeking legal advice. I will respond fully when the COI report is released.”
