The SDL party has raised serious concerns over the manner in which a three member inquiry team was appointed conducted its investigations and cleared interim Finance Minister Mahendra Chaudhry off tax evasion allegations.

SDL National Director Peceli Kinivuwai said the Committee lacked independence and integrity as it was done in secrecy and was not transparent and has raised questions in the minds of the public in Fiji.

Kinivuwai said the whole process smacks of dishonesty and bias and the decision by the Interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama to clear Chaudhry does not come as a surprise but the decision is a disgrace.

The SDL believes that in spite of the interim government's decision in the case Commodore Bainimarama should still terminate Chaudhry as it would be the right thing to do.