The Fijian police are investigating an Australian Supreme Court judge who criticised the Prime Minister last week for "inaction" over a controversial commission of inquiry.
Justice David Ashton-Lewis, who led an inquiry into the sacked former head of Fiji's anti-corruption agency, said his confidence in Sitiveni Rabuka had been "dented by his failure to act decisively".
The Prime Minister later rebuked the senior judge, saying his role was to investigate, not prosecute, and his job ended with his findings.
Police commissioner Rusiate Tudravu said Tuesday via a spokesperson that detectives were investigating Ashton-Lewis's credentials.
"I can can confirm receipt of a complaint against a senior official of the Commission of Inquiry on allegations of falsification of documents," the spokesperson said.
Fiji Police chief Rusiate Tudravu Photo: Fiji Police Force
Ashton-Lewis said more than 14 weeks had passed since he handed his inquiry report to the President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, and only two of his 17 recommendations had been implemented.
"The government must act decisively, if it is serious about fighting corruption," the 75-year-old said.
"It must start by cleaning out those who have worked in the shadows to seize control of its Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) and hold to account those who have corrupted its very foundation. Anything less would be a betrayal of the people of Fiji, and a mockery of justice".
He said he was "especially concerned" that the two most important recommendations had been ignored.
Rabuka said in a statement that it was "regrettable" that Ashton-Lewis had chosen to make a personal commentary on the inquiry into the appointment of FICAC's former commissioner, Barbara Malimali.
"Ashton-Lewis is well aware that the Commission's mandate concluded once its report was submitted to the Ratu Naiqama and that its role was inquisitorial, not prosecutorial. That role has now been fulfilled."
"The responsibility for acting on the Commission's recommendations lies solely with Ratu Naiqama and the report has also been referred to the relevant law enforcement agencies for due process," Rabuka said.
Rabuka called on Ashton-Lewis to refrain from commentary that may undermine public confidence.
He said the Fijian people could be assured that the rule of law would prevail.
In his statement, Ashton-Lewis urged the President and the Prime Minister to uphold their constitutional duty.
He said it was crucial that any investigations flowing from his report be handled independently of those adversely named in it.
Ashton-Lewis added that he understood that only one of the cases he recommended be investigated was being handled by FICAC - that of one of the deputy prime ministers, Manoa Kamikamica.
However. two of his recommendations had been implemented.
"Those are the removal of Malimali as Commissioner of FICAC, and the removal of her deputy, Lisiate Fotofili."
"Secondly there was the public release of the redacted version of the inquiry report and the dismissal of the then Attorney-General, Graham Leung.
