The Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, is grappling with one of the toughest decisions of his political career – whether to publicly release the findings of the Ashton-Lewis Commission of Inquiry into the “rotten circumstances” of Barbara Malimali’s appointment as FICAC Commissioner or bury it in the certain knowledge that it will eventually be leaked.
There are two schools of thought as the week begins – first that the COI’s findings are so grave for the Coalition that it will be junked. As one source told Grubsheet quoting well-placed officials: “It is very bad for the government”. And in a reference to reportedly adverse findings against the Deputy Prime Minister, Biman Prasad: “It might be the end of the NFP”.
The second school of thought has it that the Prime Minister is still intent on making a version of the report public that is redacted enough to avoid jeopardising any criminal proceedings flowing from the Judge’s findings but still meets a politically-acceptable level of disclosure so as not to be cast as a cover-up.
Which will it be? We shall see. Yet either way, Sitiveni Rabuka is between a rock and a hard place. If he accepts the COI’s findings and acts on them, some very big names are going to burn. And if he buries the report, he is going to have to explain why he commissioned an Australian Supreme Court judge to carry out a three month inquiry and then ignored his findings.
We still don’t know how much the David Ashton-Lewis inquiry has cost. There are figures being bandied around of at least half a million dollars but that is likely to be conservative given the nature of these things. There are not just the fees of the Judge and his Counsel Assisting, Janet Mason, but their living expenses in Fiji and the cost of lawyers acting for the various witnesses, including Barbara Malimali’s defence counsel, Tanya Waqanika. The taxpayer picks up that bill too, of course, along with the cost of all the tea and keke.
Not that the Coalition cares about these things, judging from the amount cabinet authorised last week to hire one of Australia’s most expensive barristers to argue the government’s case to change the Constitution before the Supreme Court.
According to multiple sources, Bret Walker SC (Senior Counsel) normally charges $25,000 Australian PER DAY for his services. That’s more than $36,000 Fijian PER DAY. Just the thing for a nation struggling with a $10-billion plus national debt and with more than half the population officially living in poverty.
So the Prime Minister has a lot to think about as he weighs up whether to release the Ashton-Lewis report – not just the political fallout from a decision to suppress it but accusations of a gross waste of taxpayer funds.
Could the following three stories be perchance related? You bet. First the announcement that the Coalition has hired Mr $36,000 a day, Bret Walker, to argue its case to change the Constitution.
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Then the extraordinary disclosure by the Attorney General, Graham Leung, that the cost of a successful Supreme Court challenge won’t produce what many of the government’s supporters are looking for anyway – a return to the racially-weighted 1997 Constitution.
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And finally the Prime Minister’s equally extraordinary defence of hiring all these expensive outsiders.
QUOTE “There are so many polarized people (in Fiji), it is better to engage skills from abroad”.
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Oi. Sa dina?
Fiji under the Coalition. “Greatly infested by polarized people” and requiring outsiders to sort things out.
They were saying much the same thing when the British were called in to sort out the locals in 1874. Which only goes to show that the more things change, the more they stay the same.
Why can’t politicians accept that any amendment to the Constitution must comply with the procedures set out in it, reflecting its status as supreme law?
A man who himself is benefiting from the immunity clause can never be trusted with anything. That goes for Bainimarama too.
Fiji is riddled with corrupt politicians. All of them. They are there to serve themselves rather than the poor.
Fijians are lining up and securing new passports and moving out of the country in droves. Very soon Fiji won’t be a tourist destination too. The whole place is falling down.
The report will be leaked soon. Patience is a virtue.
Anyone who does their honest day of work is worth gold. No complaints about their daily rates.
Fijians should be very concerned about the ethics and calibre of leaders they have. They collude and steal from those that don’t have enough already.
It will keep getting bad. Not far away from elections and this government has not achieved anything to show. Biman still barking his mouth off. Chutney Sashi still apologising everywhere on behalf of the Indians. Kuku Rabuka looks more spineless.
Richard Naidu giving advice as if anyone cares about him more than the VAT and tax free saga for Fiji Water. The Tabuyas of the world have gone into their brutal homes and have nothing to be significant about any more. The Stanley Kaidia of the world is still barking about everyone except Rabuka.
There is no moral compass with these lot.
They cannot be trusted at all.
There is certainly a rogues gallery associated with the collision government. It remains to be seen whether they were useful idiots, hapless fools, or guilty of stealing from the public purse. Take the Fiji water tax holidays given out as a government first and practically only order of business. Do we know what actually happened? The work of an idiot, or more sinister?
Come next elections, Fijians will not turn up to vote.
They are tired of all parties.
People have lost faith.
They have lost their trust in everyone.
They are letting their feet do the talk. They are leaving the country for better opportunities abroad.
Even the indigenous people are now migrating and saying they have had enough. Nothing in the country is for them too. Their land is just that. They don’t want to farm. They are willing to be anything but farmers. Good on them.
I cannot wait to read the leaked report soon.
@Brace–not disputing nor agreeing to the contention that Fijian will not vote,
We know large sections of the electorate are disengaged from political parties and from a government that has proved to be a horrible failure.
What we have is in fact the majority of people struggling to make ends meet from meal to meal — that is not in dispute.
What we have is–
Large numbers -thousands of children not in school
A poverty stricken majority facing an existential crisis
Pressures of drugs/violence/crimes
Domestic violence
Murder
Suicide
HIV
Drugs
Rising crime (home invasions/personal safety)
Inept and inert police
Inept and corrupt judiciary
A dire public health system with terribly poor patient outcomes
Expensive private sector medical services where the dollar is king.
Unfortunately, to then not turn up on voting day will simply be causing further self-harm, suicidal even.
We will continue to suffer from a cynical, self-serving, lying, lawless government that refuses to uphold constitutional governance.
We will continue to have corrupt goverment and ministers.
Making porn,
Smoking weed,
Open adultery on public monies, Lying/stealing,
Worthless 42-day travels raking in hundreds of thousands of dollars
for self
Worthless 21-day prayer breakfast raking in tens of thousands in personal allowances
138% pay increases
15% VAT
7-year tax holiday for billionaires.
Corrupt, compromised media
Wrecking government vehicles (careless/reckless driving)
Accepting bribe of $150000+ gold watch
Covering up for each other
Accepting more bribes
Flaunting ill-gotten fruits of bribes
Doing business with convicted drug criminals
Drunk office holders (chief registrar/corrections commissioner)
More cronyism
More nepotism
More selective prosecution
Avoiding prosecution.
Avoiding accountability.
The list is endless. The only hope for people is to turn away from nihilism and turn up to vote.
Vote! Vote! Vote!
Agree with all you say except you forgot steering gifted $millions of Navy patrol boats, with sophisticated radars , depth finders and sonars, onto reefs that every kid in the village knows are out there. You can’t navigate in the dark while holding a bilo in one hand and balancing the bowl in the other.
You say Vote Vote Vote ! Really? My question is, vote who? Who is the Opposition? Which ‘party’ wants our vote and is presenting policies worth considering? Who is opposing these clowns? Who is opposing these narcissistic big spenders? Who?
No one can answer this and I therefore see no reason to keep harping on about ‘vote’. Chaudhary is one but one alone does not a Parliament make.
Someone enlighten me please.
Who to vote for?
No one else can enlighten you but you.
The contribution was not supposed to suggest who to vote for in 2026 and beyond.
Rather, who to NOT vote for. The country cannot afford the same government for another 5 years and more.
It would both pretentious and patronizing for anyone to suggest who or what party to vote for.
Democracy is about free choices-even if one should decide not to vote at all.
The point however, is when signifcant percent of voters decide to sit out an election rather than vote for any alternative apart from the current bunch of idiots, those voters then forfeit the right to complain about poor governance.
Granted, there is no viable alternative on the horizon at this point in time.
Still, do we really want more of the same from the snake, traitor baimaan and the rest of the dumb asses currently riding roughshod over the poor and disadvantaged people?
Chaudhry and his equally arrogant son have had their chance. They blew it big time with their combined arrogance, pride and lack of intelligence.
Chaudhry’s 1 year tenure albiet unfairly and unlawfully cut short, is often portrayed as the best when in fact the coup of 2000 cruelly cut short his plans and dreams for Fiji.
However even that belief remains unproven. And his arrogant son remains an even more divisive figure today who will in all likelihood come back to his father’s side should Chaudhry ever realize his pipe dream to be PM again.
Besides, at the risk of sounding age-ist, do we really want an octogenarian as pm?
A 77-year old flip-flopping senile bastard of a snake is proof itself we need someone younger, educated with new and realistic ideas.
The nation blindly votes for the same OLD people who’ve been around 30, 40 and 50 years! Moreover, more than a few are criminals hiding behind the protections of immunity clauses, corrupt FICAC, corrupt judiciary, corrupt police, corrupt media, and even corrupt NGOs who can help expose these bastards.
As a matter of civic duty, in the interest of the nation, VOTE.
So the PM does not trust AG Leung’s legal opinion that he and his Cabinet have to go get an Australian lawyer?
Isn’t AG Leung part of that Cabinet that decided to engage the Australian lawyer?
Is AG Leung polarized?
It appears that AG Leung has gone against a government decision by preempting the outcome of a Court case and should be sacked.
Just like the PM is threatening to sack SODELPA from the Coalition.
AG Leung should start visiting his indigenous Fijian relatives now seeking tabua for his matanigasau to the PM and Cabinet.
Then all will be forgotten.
Only in Fiji.
We still have 1.5 years of Biman Rabuka coalition left.
We still have many more scams to go through. Whether this report is released or not will become irrelevant with time as most voters are either too blind or too dumb.
Those who are able to interpret what really is going on are too tired to care anymore.
Let’s just let the coalition enjoy the perks of being in government and watch them destroy democracy in Fiji. I don’t even care anymore, and I know there are many who don’t care as well.
A Prayer for the Deceiving Politician:
Our Leader, who art in headlines spun,
Hallowed be thy crafted grin.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,
In parliament as in public square
Feed us this day our bread of lies,
And cloak our eyes from golden ties.
Forgive our naivete, though we tally your gifts
The gilded Rolex unscrutinised.
Lead us not to audits’ light,
But veil us in your alibis.
And when the voters grow restless,
Reveal not your private wealth
But deliver buried deep, the inquiry’s verdict.
For yours is the power to obscure,
The lies to spin,
And the people to endure
Until the next election.
Release the report. Amen.
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**Key Additions:**
1. **Corrupt Gifts** – The “*gilded Rolex*” nods to undisclosed luxury bribes or conflicts of interest.
2. **Buried Inquiry** – The plea to “*deliver the inquiry’s verdict—buried deep*” mocks deliberate obfuscation.
3. **Public Accountability** – The closing demand, **”Release the report,”** underscores the tension between secrecy and transparency.
This version amplifies themes of graft and institutional evasion, framing the politician’s deceit as both personal greed and systemic rot.
GD
The gov’t is expected to face a far more serious issues regarding the role of the Chief Justice and potentially damaging the government’s credibility. At a recent case management hearing against the ex-PM Bainimarama’s appeal against his conviction and imprisonment, the lawyers acting for the ex-PM requested the recusal of the CJ from the panel of judges scheduled to hear that appeal. The reasons for the recusal were due to the CJ’s role in admonishing the magistrate as well as directing the lower courts of Bainimarama’s guilt and directing them with a sentence guideline , vis-a-vis that he was guilty and therefore he must serve a term of imprisonment.
The CJ made a ruling not to recuse himself and that he would continue to take part in any future appeal hearing. The laws on recusal is quite clear and any bystander would deduce from this sordid case is that the CJ was actively involved in the conduct and the case management of this case from beginning to the end. He should therefore disqualify himself from playing any future role relating to Bainimarama’s appeal. CJ’s previous role surely disqualifies him from taking part in the appeal process and the ex-PM is not expected to receive a fair or impartial appeal hearing.
If the CJ is allowed to sit on that appeal then Fiji’s judicial system is expected to be a joke and unfit for purpose.
It is imperative that Salesi Temo is removed as Chief Justice ASAP. He is a threat to the rule of law and his position is untenable.
Totally agree. He is the biggest threat to Fiji right now.
Rabuka must be ruing the day he decided to appoint him as CJ when there were better and more suitable candidates.
His performance as a judge and Chair of the JSC has brought nothing but trouble for the current government and disrepute to Fiji’s judicial system.
This will have a significant effect on Fiji’s already ailing economy. And we the people will suffer more.
Hopefully all the voters can see this together with the current government’s woeful performance thus far and vote them out at the next election.
We live in hope.
Nothing is going to happen. The PM is a magician – he has been doing magic for the last 40 years almost, with GOD by his side. Why else do you think he is still around? Fijians cannot move without him.
Listening to a part of the PM’s speech at today’s Girmit celebrations in Labasa, reflecting on all the humiliation that the Girmitayas endured around 140 years ago, it sounded as if he was reliving the events that he himself led just some 40 years ago.
A case of not just short history but short memory too, about the Girmitayas being “badly treated, victimized, brutalized, shamed, ridiculed, even raped and incarcerated.”
Isa, noda Viti!
https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Girmitiyas-shaped-Fijis-identity-and-legacy–Prime-Minister-5f8rx4/
Yes, irony is not his strongest suit.
As I said earlier on the COI, the PM needs to recognise that he and his Government are at a crossroad. Either the rule of law in Fiji is applied fairly and without prejudice or it is not. To do nothing with the report will confirm the Government are no longer in control and the CJ is running the country aided and abetted by his cabal of appointees.
The Inquiry from all reports and suggestions to date suggests there will be far more than those already slated (Barbara Malimali and the incompetent CJ) mentioned or reported on. The comments of the PM on the appointment of Bret Walker SC in citing a polarised legal fraternity in Fiji gives an insight into the faith of the Government in the Fiji bar and bench.
The COI Report will not be full of praise, although there may be the odd mention of those who spoke with truth rather than indignation or bluster.
The Prime Minister is reported in mainstream media saying “the coalition trust bubble has burst”.
What trust bubble is he talking about ?
The bubble that ensures dirty secrets remain secrets ? The pledge of allegiance to silence and no responsibility for compromising actions carried out ?
If the Fiji delegation in Tonga was 3 hours late and a representative from SODELPA called the delegation out .. is that a breakdown of trust ? Some would view it as a call for accountability?
And yes maybe there are processes for disgruntled remarks within parties but when it involves FIJI – not just political parties … I am sorry but the standard has to be the highest level. And yes as a matter of fact – those highest levels are not synonymous with the coalition government . PERIOD.
What about the trust bubble of taxpayers and voters with the government of the day ? That burst a long time ago when they all voted for their salary increases .. and further evaporated any hope with the tolerance and lack of action with all the bad behaviors allowed amongst themselves.
What is the standard that Rabuka is ranting on about this week ? Did he just wake up in May 2025 with the word trust on his mind ? Where in the world has he been all this while .. while the rest of Fiji has been watching and witnessing for themselves the biggest breakdown of trust with Him and his cabinet line up ?
All he has to do is look in the mirror – they all need to look into the mirror and see for themselves the evidence of their own choices , actions and inactions
The coalition is all about political survival and personal allegiances for personal gain and advancement.
We the public watch on and it feels like we have no choice at all … but put up with the circus / sour comedy / cheap drama … that calls itself a coalition government – depending on which day of the week you tune in to watch these unworthy elected officials .
We the people we have lost hope
You can talk it up Rabuka and Coalition
You can sell it and dish out the hand outs thinking Fijians are as cheap as you lot and desperate for money,
But the reality of your characters and principles are evidenced in the state of play that the nation is facing and unfortunately there is no passing the buck on this.
Have some dignity – resign
Or realign and reshuffle
We are so over you all !
Totally agree with Graham. CJ is a threat to the nation and it’s people deploying illegal 🙄 law workers in the judicial system. Shame on the Coalition government to have such a corrupt CJ.
If according to the PM, the lawyers in the Fijian judicial system are “polarized”, is this similar to being biased, or unfair, or partial? If so , then they are not fit for the jobs they hold, if their polarisation permeates their legal view when performing the wide range of their duties, aside from their ideas about the constitutional changes process.
There was a time when many Fijians cared about what was going on in our country. Many are delusional but a lot of Fijians want better for all Fijians all races all religions.
The number who care today is rapidly declining. Soon most will not give a shit even if Fiji burns to the ground.
Biman Rabuka coalition will burn Fiji to the ground. By next elections 50 percent people will likely not even be bothered to vote.
Apparently Rabuka has not read yet read the COI report handed over to his office last Friday.
According to FijiLive, his next steps are to ‘ read and try to understand the legalese, then send the recommendations for a legal opinion’
Wow !
Sending over the COI report for legal opinion ?
Of course he’s read it – thsts why it’s been sent for a legal opinion, it’s A Whitewash, a Scam !
What I can’t understand is why the Indians even consider Fiji home
F… the bullshit about it being the country of our birth.
Our fore fathers were sold that…bullshit… to make the trip down and whilst on that, what the f**k, we now have a Girmit festival celebrating the arrival of slaves from India…only Indians would do that. I say time to face reality, most of the Fijians don’t give a shit about you. Time to face reality. Fiji was never your home and never will be.
Wow, celebrating survival and resilience is such a crime, huh? Girmit’s not about glorifying slavery—it’s about honoring ancestors who endured hell and built lives against the odds. Fiji’s home for Indian diaspora here because they were born here, raised here, and contributed to it.
Reality check: home isn’t about who “accepts” you; it’s where your roots are. Deal with it.
Guess you missed the memo on Fijian hospitality—blind hatred’s all you’re serving up.
Can you suggest what country is the home of the Fiji Indians then? I do not think it is India. Or are they stateless?
May I also suggest that you should somehow try and expel all the air inside your head.
Kava at AUD$1,000/kg, Rabo should talk exports with the Australian outback dealers. Might help Fiji export trade.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-13/kava-smuggling-bust-northern-territory-arnhem-land/105275152
Fiji can thank the Brits and the Aussies that it has not followed into the dark hole of New Caledonia and the U.S.A.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-13/new-caledonia-gun-ownership-stockpiling-civil-unrest/105267842
Rabuka and all his con will continue till his death ! He always finds a distraction for everything and against everyone .
He is smart to attack everyone including being evasive about the COI report .
But when the blowtorch Centre’s on him – he is unable to do anyone and simply squirms like a little kid with a bee in his bonnet !