30 Jul 2004

Fiji's Malaysia high commissioner not probed for 2000 coup

3:37 pm on 30 July 2004

Fiji's high commissioner to Malaysia, Adi Samanunu Talakuli Cakobau, will not be questioned by police in relation to the May 2000 coup.

Adi Samanunu returned from Malaysia during the coup and convened a meeting of middle level chiefs in parliament to give support to Speight's failed administration.

The meeting took place while members of the ousted government were held hostage at gunpoint.

The police spokesman, Mesake Koroi, says under the law, sufficient evidence is needed to warrant a full police investigation.

The question of investigating her arose during her recent very low-key visit to Fiji.

Two years ago, the Qarase government proposed Adi Samanunu's name as high commissioner to London but the British Foreign Office rejected her appointment, reportedly because of her link to the coup.