Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has clarified that the decision to establish another tribunal for investigating claims against Director of Public Prosecutions Christopher Pryde does not fall under his jurisdiction. He emphasized that the responsibility lies with the Judicial Legal Service Commission, rather than the Cabinet or the Office of the Prime Minister.

Rabuka made these remarks in light of Pryde’s assertions regarding a potential new tribunal. The Prime Minister stated, “If there’s another tribunal, it will not be my responsibility; it’s outside my area of responsibility.”

When questioned about the financial implications of tribunals, he acknowledged that they are part of governmental processes and indicated that if deemed necessary, they will be conducted. He also stressed the importance of safeguarding classified information and noted that an individual could be subject to investigation for leaking such information to the public.

This situation follows a previous tribunal that concluded with Pryde’s exoneration from allegations of misconduct, reaffirming his position and restoring his lost pay and benefits. Rabuka’s stated commitment to due process underscores the significance of maintaining integrity within Fiji’s legal and governance frameworks.

As a hopeful perspective, this ongoing dialogue around judicial processes indicates a broader commitment to accountability and transparency within Fiji’s governance, fostering public trust in legal institutions. The Prime Minister’s focus on due diligence reflects a positive direction toward the enhancement of the judicial system in Fiji.