What is most troubling is that taxpayers have already borne the burden of $2 million to fund the Commission of Inquiry into the appointment of Barbara Malimali as FICAC Commissioner, and now due to the government’s inaction, even more public money will be wasted defending the State in court against judicial review proceedings.
Those are the comments of Opposition Leader, Inia Seruiratu after the Fiji Law Society, the Judicial Services Commission, former Attorney-General Graham Leung, and Barbara Malimali filed judicial review applications in the High Court.
Seruiratu says this is a completely avoidable situation caused by the government’s lack of resolve and leadership.
He says despite the COI’s clear recommendations concerning the Chief Justice, the Prime Minister has failed to exercise his constitutional responsibility to advise the President to suspend the Chief Justice pending the outcome of appropriate processes.
Seruiratu says this inaction, in the face of serious findings, has allowed the situation to spiral into further legal challenges including judicial review applications now before the High Court.
The Opposition is calling on the Prime Minister to show leadership and do what is necessary to uphold the integrity of the judicial system.
Seruiratu says the Prime Minister must summon the courage to “man up” to the President and recommend the immediate suspension of the Chief Justice, as contemplated by the Constitution and as recommended by the COI.
We have sought comments from the Prime Minister. He is yet to respond.
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