Opposition urges Prime Minister to suspend Chief Justice

The Opposition is calling on Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to immediately advise the President to suspend the Chief Justice, saying his failure to act on the Commission of Inquiry (COI) recommendations has plunged Fiji into a deepening judicial and constitutional crisis.

Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu said the Prime Minister’s indecision following the COI into the appointment of Barbara Malimali as FICAC Commissioner has allowed the situation to “descend into chaos,” triggering multiple legal challenges now before the High Court.

“Despite the COI’s clear recommendations, 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,” Mr Seruiratu said.

“This inaction, in the face of serious findings, has allowed the situation to spiral into further legal challenges, including judicial review applications.”

Mr Seruiratu said the crisis has become costly for taxpayers, with the $2 million already spent on the COI now ballooning as the State prepares to defend itself against court proceedings filed by the Fiji Law Society, the Judicial Services Commission, former Attorney-General Graham Leung, and Barbara Malimali herself.

“This is a completely avoidable situation caused by the government’s lack of resolve and leadership,” he said.

“The Prime Minister’s reluctance to act has emboldened challenges to the COI’s work, undermined public confidence in the rule of law, and left the State entangled in costly legal battles of its own making.”

Mr Seruiratu said the Prime Minister must show leadership and do what is necessary to uphold the integrity of the judicial system.

“He 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,” he said.

“Only by acting decisively can the Prime Minister restore confidence in the administration of justice and bring an end to the mess his inaction has created.”

He added that the people of Fiji “deserve leadership that is decisive, principled, and committed to protecting the rule of law.”