Judicial Integrity at Stake: Controversy Surrounds Fiji Supreme Court Justice

Justice David Ashton-Lewis of the Fiji Supreme Court is facing scrutiny following a recent radio interview in which he made controversial statements about the Commission of Inquiry (COI) he presides over, particularly regarding the appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). The Fiji Law Society, led by President Wylie Clarke, has called for Justice Ashton-Lewis’s resignation, asserting that he has breached judicial protocols and compromised the integrity of the judiciary.

In the response from Justice Ashton-Lewis’s legal representative, Hemendra Nagin, it was stated that the president of the Fiji Law Society lacks the jurisdiction to demand the judge’s resignation. Nagin pointed out that Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka had already addressed the situation, suggesting no further comment was necessary from the judge.

The controversy arises from Justice Ashton-Lewis’s remarks during the interview, where he divulged sensitive information indicating that nine senior officials may have obstructed justice in relation to Malimali’s appointment. His comments, which Clarke described as politically charged, have raised concerns about their impact on public trust in Fiji’s judicial system.

This situation echoes previous calls for judicial accountability within Fiji, particularly concerning high-profile appointments and their implications for political influence. The Fiji Law Society has underscored the potential erosion of procedural fairness and public confidence in the judicial process, given that substantial public resources have been invested in the COI.

Despite the tensions, there remains cautious optimism that this inquiry could lead to necessary reforms enhancing accountability and transparency within Fiji’s governance. The ongoing scrutiny underscores a collective commitment towards maintaining ethical standards in public service and reinforcing public trust in the judiciary, which is crucial for the healthy functioning of democracy in Fiji.