The Fijian Law Society President, Wylie Clarke, has condemned the government’s handling of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) report, asserting that the situation has spiraled into “chaos.” Clarke emphasized the urgency for the report’s public release, highlighting that nine individuals criticized in the report are not privy to its findings, thereby stripping them of the ability to defend themselves. Justice Ashton-Lewis has indicated that the government’s withholding of the report is based on his advice, which Clarke argues contradicts the principles of justice enshrined in Fiji’s Constitution.
He pointed out that exculpatory evidence, including testimonies and videos from the COI, has started leaking on social media, raising concerns about selective information dissemination. Clarke criticized the significant financial resources—potentially millions—that have been invested in the COI process without a clear benefit to accountability or transparency.
Clarke’s calls for transparency echo the sentiments of numerous political leaders and organizations who argue that the taxpayer-funded report should be made accessible to the public. As previous discussions have highlighted, the urgency for accountability is further stressed by potential implications for individuals in high office, with recommendations from the inquiry having the power to trigger essential reforms in Fiji’s governance structure.
The overall situation reflects a growing demand among citizens and political figures for clarity and openness regarding government operations. They hope the eventual release of the COI report will lead to pivotal reforms that can restore public trust, enhance ethical standards, and strengthen the pillars of accountability in Fiji’s political landscape. This collective desire for transparency fosters optimism that constructive changes are possible, steering Fiji towards a more accountable future.
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