published 11 November 2000

The People's Coalition Government reiterates its call for proper criminal investigations to be conducted into allegations of Police Commissioner Isikia Savua's complicity in the May 19 terrorist activities.

The Tuivaga Inquiry's reported exoneration of Police Commissioner Savua lacks credibility in the light of the massive evidence implicating him in the events associated with the coup.

The Coalition had earlier questioned the propriety of a closed-door inquiry for such serious allegations.

It was quite wrong in the first place for the authorities to appoint the Chief Justice, Sir Timoci Tuivaqa, to head the inquiry. Sir Timoci's own conduct immediately following the coup has been questioned widely.

Events since have proved the Coalition right as evidenced by criticisms levelled at Sir Timoci by a judge of the High Court and the President of the Fiji Law Society.

The Chief Justice has been condemned for assisting with the drafting of the Judicature Decree which abolished the Supreme Court, made him quite unethically, President of the Fiji Court of Appeal and raised his retirement age from 70 to 75 years - all these provisions were intended for Sir Timoci's personal benefit and aggrandisement.

The People's Coalition calls on the authorities to ensure that Mr. Savua is not returned as Police Commissioner in view of the high degree of hostility with which he is viewed by police officers.

Just as importantly, he no longer commands the confidence and trust of the public at large.

END
11 November 2000.
People's Coalition Office
Suva
Fax: 380985.