Opposition Member of Parliament Alvick Maharaj has publicly defended Supreme Court Judge Justice David Ashton-Lewis, rejecting the Fiji Law Society’s (FLS) demands for his resignation. Maharaj criticized the FLS’s call, arguing that it misrepresents Justice Ashton-Lewis’s intentions and overlooks significant issues he highlighted in a recent radio interview.
Mr. Maharaj condemned the FLS’s position as an affront to judicial independence, stating that it attempts to silence a judge who has courageously raised serious concerns about corruption and abuse of power within the government. He pointed out that Justice Ashton-Lewis had previously led a Commission of Inquiry (COI) into these matters and asserted that his findings should not only be respected but taken seriously, regardless of the discomfort they may cause to some individuals within the government.
In his remarks, Maharaj emphasized that Justice Ashton-Lewis’s priority is justice and accountability. He argued that exposing wrongdoing is in the public interest and that revealing insights from the inquiry fulfills a crucial duty. The Opposition dismissed any claims of political bias, asserting that issues surrounding corruption are far more important than personal opinions regarding political figures.
Furthermore, Maharaj highlighted that the FLS is trying to shift focus from critical allegations of perjury and obstruction of justice to irrelevant procedural matters. He firmly supports Justice Ashton-Lewis’s assertions regarding nine individuals implicated in serious misconduct, urging that these matters should be investigated thoroughly rather than suppressed.
The opposition figure has expressed a desire for the public to recognize what he describes as a politically motivated attack against Justice Ashton-Lewis and insists on the importance of transparency in governance. He argues that criticisms of the judge signal a need for reforms and accountability within Fiji’s political system.
Justice Ashton-Lewis’s commitment to integrity and courage has not gone unnoticed, and there remains hope among many that the ongoing scrutiny and discussions surrounding these events could pave the way for significant reforms, enhancing accountability and transparency in Fiji’s governance structures. As the situation unfolds, it underscores a collective aspiration for a judicial system that remains free from political influence, regionalizing public trust and integrity at its core.
Leave a comment