Fiji commission of inquiry established an appointment investigation

The Commission of Inquiry (CoI) established to investigate the appointment of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner has formally delivered its final report to His Excellency, President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.

The report handover took place at State House, where Sole Commissioner Justice David Ashton-Lewis, accompanied by Commission Counsel Assisting Ms. Janet Mason, a senior legal expert from New Zealand, presented the report to the President. In receiving the report, President Lalabalavu expressed his heartfelt appreciation to Justice Ashton-Lewis and Ms. Mason for their dedication and thoroughness throughout the inquiry, as well as for the careful creation of the report and its recommendations. "I commend the Commission for their relentless efforts in conducting a comprehensive inquiry. The Commission's terms of reference focus on making suggestions to enhance transparency, accountability, and public trust in state institutions, particularly concerning the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC)," stated President Lalabalavu. The President noted that he will await guidance from Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka regarding the report's publication and the execution of its recommendations. The CoI's Terms of Reference, issued in October 2024, include investigating whether due process was followed in the appointment, if there were any breaches of legal or ethical standards, and how any such issues affected the work and reputation of FICAC. According to the Constitution, the FICAC Commissioner is appointed by the President based on advice from the Judicial Services Commission (JSC). Over several months, the Commission held hearings, reviewed extensive documentation, and gathered testimonies from various stakeholders, including government officials, judicial officers, and Cabinet members. Justice Ashton-Lewis and Ms. Mason are also set to present their Final Report to the Prime Minister today, in accordance with the CoI's Terms of Reference. #FijiGovernment #CoalitionGovernment #GovernmentNews