16 January, 2026, 5:49 pm Central - 27°C Rain

PM urges COI Chair to respect process, not undermine public confidence

PM urges COI Chair to respect process, not undermine public confidence

By Temalesi Vono
22/08/2025

It is regrettable that Justice David Ashton-Lewis has chosen to make personal commentary on the Commission of Inquiry into the appointment of former FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali.

This has been stated by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka today on social media, saying that Justice Ashton-Lewis’ role in the Commission was to inquire, not prosecute.

Rabuka called Ashton-Lewis to uphold the dignity of his office by respecting the process, and refraining from commentary that may undermine public confidence.

He says the responsibility for acting on the Commission’s recommendations lies solely with the President, and the COI report has been referred to the relevant law enforcement agencies for due process.

Click here for more stories on the Barbara Malimali suspension and dismissal of AG Graham Leung

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