Fiji Law Society President, Wylie Clarke states that as the 2013 Constitution makes clear, the Fiji Law Society is not a member of the Judicial Services Commission and it was not consulted in the appointment of the FICAC Commissioner.
Following a statement released by Opposition MP, Premila Kumar attacking Clarke, it has been made clear that the Fiji Law Society has already issued a statement regarding President, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu and Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka not having the legal power to suspend the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of FICAC.
Clarke stresses that the Judicial Services Commission is the body responsible for the appointment and dismissal of the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of FICAC.
He also says as they remain bound by a Commission of Inquiry order of confidentiality, they are not at liberty to comment on any evidence that may have been given in the COI.
Clarke says any questions pertaining to judicial and court administrative matters are best directed to the Chief Justice.
Meanwhile Premila Kumar says Clarke should publicly clarify his role in the controversial appointment and subsequent termination of former FICAC Commissioner, Barbara Malimali.
Kumar then highlighted some issues from a leaked audio recording, saying the President of the Fiji Law Society has a duty to speak out and correct any legal misdirection.
Kumar adds that the millions of dollars spent on the Commission of Inquiry could have been avoided had oversight institutions acted impartially and with integrity from the outset.
Kumar also says the questions she raised are based on information already in the public domain.
She has reiterated her call for the full release of the COI report, which the Prime Minister previously promised but has continued to delay.
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