Former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has called on the President to publicly release the Tribunal’s recommendations regarding the suspended Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). He emphasized that this action is mandated by Section 112 (6) of the Fijian Constitution, which states that reports from independent Tribunals must be made public following an investigation into alleged misconduct.
Mr. Sayed-Khaiyum explained that according to Section 112(3)(c), once a Tribunal is established, the President is required to act according to the Tribunal’s advice when deciding on matters concerning the DPP. He asserted that the President does not possess discretionary powers once the Tribunal’s process is initiated, insisting that the Constitution clearly delineates the President’s responsibilities.
The former Attorney General further elaborated that the report should be shared with the suspended DPP, the media, and through public forums to ensure transparency and uphold the integrity of the judicial process. He argued that public disclosure is essential for building confidence in the legal system and safeguarding the independence of the Tribunal from outside influence.
In essence, Mr. Sayed-Khaiyum’s statements highlight the importance of adhering to constitutional provisions to maintain public trust and the dignity of the presidential office.
This call for transparency resonates positively, suggesting an opportunity for reinforcing accountability in public office and strengthening democratic principles in governance. By adhering to these constitutional mandates, the government can enhance public confidence in its institutions and their processes.
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