PM advises that it might be premature to publicise the full COI report

Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka confirms that he has indicated to President, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu that it might be premature to publicise the full Commission of Inquiry Report into the appointment of FICAC Commissioner, Barbara Malimali.

Rabuka says the report may still be required by the Fiji Police Force and/or FICAC, in order to avoid prejudicing any ongoing or future investigations.

He says in accordance with the laws of the country, he tendered his advice to the President.

Meanwhile calls continue for Prime Minister Rabuka to release the Commission of Inquiry Report.

Fiji Labour Party Leader, Mahendra Chaudhry says as usual Rabuka’s reasons for failing to do so make no sense.

Chaudhry says Rabuka now says the various agencies – FICAC and the Police – will take up allegations or indications of inappropriate actions contained in the report.

Chaudhry says “Prime Minister, you set up the COI precisely because these watchdog institutions were not doing their work. You wanted the ‘rot’ cleaned up.”

He says an independent Commission of Inquiry was called to clear up the rot. Chaudhry adds more than $2 million of taxpayers’ money was used to fund the inquiry.

He says Justice Ashton-Lewis and his Counsel Janet Mason were meticulous in their conduct of the Inquiry, producing a 600-page report with recommendations. Chaudhry asks what is the reason for not releasing the report and is the Prime Minister trying to protect the rogue elements in his Cabinet, the judiciary and the legal fraternity.

Chaudhry says Rabuka says the Commission of Inquiry Act does not require him to publish a report.

He says neither, for that matter does it bar him from doing so.

The FLP Leader says public interest should be paramount here and the Prime Minister must release the report in the public interest and in the interests of transparency and accountability.