COI Commissioner clarifies Prime Minister Rabuka was not given a 'grilling'

Commissioner of Inquiry, Justice David Ashton Lewis clarifies that Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka was not subjected to a “grilling” during his two-hour session at the Commission of Inquiry, as reported by the Fiji Sun last Tuesday.

Justice Lewis says the media had described Rabuka’s questioning as a “grilling” in relation to the appointment of Barbara Malimali as the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption Commissioner, which offended the Prime Minister.

Justice Lewis says while the questions posed to Rabuka were indeed tough, he responded well, as would be expected given his experience.

He says Rabuka answered all questions as expected and had not been subjected to a grilling.

Justice Lewis urges the journalists to reconsider the wording in their reports, clarifying that Rabuka had performed his duties during the inquiry effectively.

He reminds that every witness had sworn an oath to tell the truth and any inconsistencies would be addressed at the conclusion of the inquiry.

When asked by fijivillage News about the former President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere's testimony, he says the former President was excellent during his testimony and was well-prepared, answering questions effectively and demonstrating a clear understanding of the matters discussed.

Justice Lewis says he has mentioned every evening, all the witnesses have been good, which he attributes to the people of Fiji.

When asked by fijivillage News how many witnesses are left, Senior Legal Counsel Janet Mason says they are probably about a third of the way through.

She says some witnesses do not have a major role and do not take very long to testify.

She adds that they still expect to be done with all the hearings by the three-week mark.