Justice Ashton-Lewis free to speak on CoI report

Supreme Court Judge Justice David Ashton-Lewis can speak about the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) he presided over because his work with the proceedings is complete.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka clarified this, adding that he is not worried about anyone attempting to remove him as leader of the Coalition Government.

“He can speak now, as his report has been completed and is now in the hands of the President,” he said.

This newspaper understands that under the Commission’s terms of appointment, approval must be granted by both the Prime Minister and the President before the Commission may speak to the media.

Mr Rabuka’s comments follow revelations made by Justice Ashton-Lewis during an Australian talkback show on May 29, 2025, regarding the inquiry’s conclusions and recommendations.

In the radio interview, Justice Ashton-Lewis said nine senior officials were implicated in the report for lying under oath, and for obstructing and perverting the course of justice in the appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of FICAC.

Justice Ashton-Lewis did not name anyone, but said one of the individuals was a Member of Parliament described as a "wannabe Prime Minister".

“I am leader because I am the leader of the major party in the coalition,” Mr Rabuka said.

When asked about ministers implicated in the report, Mr Rabuka responded: “Read report when you get it. We don’t want too many ‘reports’ coming out to the public.”

Counsel Assisting the CoI, Janet Mason, told the Fiji Sun on Friday that not all Members of Parliament named in the report were implicated, as some were required only to give evidence.

There were 40 witnesses, but only 33 were questioned. Their evidence is summarised in the 648-page report. Justice Ashton-Lewis submitted 72 recommendations, which he hopes Prime Minister Rabuka will act on.

Feedback: ivamere.nataro@fijisun.com.fj