Chaudhry: Inquiry has no legal basis
FIJI Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry yesterday claimed the appointment of a Commission of Inquiry into the conduct, operations and performance of the Office of the AuditorGeneral had no legal basis.
In his view, Mr Chaudhry said President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere had been ill-advised and misguided into ordering the inquiry by a Government that had been under “heavy criticism” for lack of accountability and transparency in its handling of public monies.
“It is clearly an attack on its constitutionally guaranteed independence from external interference in the performance of its duties,” he said.
“It is not surprising that the inquiry should be announced at a time of heightened allegations of corruption in high places.
“I believe the inquiry has been set up by the Government to divert attention away from the growing incidence of financial irregularities and lack of transparency and accountability in the disbursement of public funds, as reported by the Auditor-General.
“Its terms of reference itself is preemptive of the nature of the report expected from it, particularly the paragraph that directs the inquiry to make recommendations to eliminate and prevent any unlawful, improper, ineffective or inefficient practices in the Office of the Auditor-General.
“While it is not known at whose behest the inquiry has been commissioned, Section 82 of the Constitution requires the President to act only on the advice of Cabinet or a minister or some other body or authority prescribed by the Constitution,” Mr
Chaudhry said.
“Were the provisions of this section complied with? We understand a formal sitting of Cabinet has not taken place for many months.
“Moreover, judging from its terms of reference, the inquiry does not appear to be initiated for the good of public welfare, as required by S2(1) of the Commission of Inquiry Act.”
Mr Chaudhry urged the Auditor-General not to be deterred by the “antics” of the Government.