The Anti-Corruption High Court in Suva has refused and dismissed the recusal application made by SODELPA Member of Parliament, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua’s lawyer Filimoni Vosarogo.

It means that judge Justice Thushara Kumarage, will remain presiding over his case.

Justice Kumarage said when he was entrusted with responsibility under the Constitution, it would be shunning from his profes­sional duties if he denounced his responsibility on mere suspicion of bias in the absence of cogent reasons.

“I have become a Judge in the Republic of Fiji after taking an oath before His Excellency the President of Fiji to function in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji, where I m bounded by Section 97 (2) of the Constitution which reads ‘The courts and all judicial officers are independent of the legisla­tive and executive branches of Government and are subject only to this Constitution and the law, which they must apply without fear, favour or prejudice’,” Justice Kumarage said.

Charges

Matanitobua is charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) with one count of false information to a public servant and one count of obtaining financial advantage.

It is alleged that the MP breached the Parliamentary Remuneration Act of 2014 when they claimed travel and accommodation allow­ances, they were not entitled to.

Matanitobua is alleged to have falsely stated that his permanent place of residence was in Namosi village, Namosi, and allegedly ob­tained $38,378.22 between August 2019 and April 2020.

Judge Justice Thushara Ku­marage delivered his ruling yes­terday.

Matanitobua’s trial will begin today.

Feedback: ashna.kumar@fijisun.com.fj