The Opposition has called on Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to release the full Commission of Inquiry (COI) report without delay, warning that failure to do so is threatening public trust in government and the rule of law.
Responding to questions from The Fiji Times, Opposition MP Jone Usamate said the findings were serious and warranted immediate transparency.
“I can’t speak for the judiciary, but every Fijian must be deeply concerned about what has come out of the Commission of Inquiry,” he said.
“It is critical that leaders act in the best interests of the people at all times and do the right things at all times.”
He clarified that Supreme Court judge and COI chair David Ashton-Lewis did not specifically name MPs.
“David Ashton-Lewis did not say nine MPs were named, he referred to nine individuals,” he said.
“If some are in leadership, who are these people?
“The people of Fiji deserve to know that their leaders always do the right thing.
“That they act honourably and walk the talk.”
Mr Usamate urged the Prime Minister to honour his government’s own promises.
“The Prime Minister needs to publish the report. The people must see the findings and make their own assessments.
“This Government has talked about transparency — this is a time to be transparent.
“If this report is not released and the Government does nothing, confidence in our institutions will be severely damaged.
“Institutional integrity and people’s trust in the institutions must be protected at all times.”
Mr Usamate also pushed back against any perception that the Opposition was exploiting the situation politically.
“The Opposition has the very best interest of Fiji at heart.
“When this requires us to work together with Government, we do so willingly and with no reservations, and when it requires us to air our concerns about questionable decisions and behaviours, we will do so.”
“The Opposition is here to hold leadership accountable.”
