Opposition Member of Parliament Jone Usamate has raised concerns regarding the Prime Minister’s delay in initiating an independent investigation into the Minister for Youth and Sports and the Fiji Sports Council. Usamate emphasized that any allegations of improper conduct must be thoroughly examined in the national interest, pointing out that these matters have been known since 2025.
Usamate criticized the Prime Minister for only taking action when public pressure mounted, suggesting that this delay highlights a troubling culture of inaction among leadership. He expressed that unresolved issues seem to be allowed to linger in the hope that they will eventually disappear. “People across the country have seen this approach before, and many are now wondering what outcome it will bring this time,” he remarked.
Additionally, Usamate questioned the decision to conduct a private investigation instead of utilizing established institutions such as the Police and the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). He argued that bypassing these agencies could undermine public confidence in their ability to perform their roles effectively. “When existing institutions are set aside, it creates the impression that they are not being allowed to do their work. That is not good for public confidence,” he asserted.
Usamate stressed that any investigation should be led by genuinely independent individuals and warned against repeating past failures, including a Commission of Inquiry that was ultimately deemed unlawful by the courts, leading to confusion and financial burdens rather than clarity. He urged those potentially tasked with leading the new inquiry to consider the repercussions for their professional integrity, emphasizing the public’s expectation for accountability.
He concluded by urging the Prime Minister to ensure that the law is applied consistently and without exceptions. Usamate stated, “The country does not need more committees or temporary arrangements. It needs one standard for everyone. If our independent institutions are not being allowed to function, then we must confront the real issue — the system itself is not being allowed to work as it should.” This call for transparency and accountability serves as a reminder of the need for government officials to act decisively in maintaining public trust.