Pressure is mounting on the Government, particularly on the Prime Minister, to swiftly establish an independent Board of Inquiry regarding the contentious appointment of Barbara Malimali as the new Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
Political analysts emphasize the necessity of this inquiry, despite its potential cost and complexity. Opposition MP Premila Kumar highlighted the public’s demand for clarity, asserting that the citizens of Fiji are closely monitoring the situation.
Kumar pointed out that this isn’t the first instance of misjudgment by the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), recalling last year’s appointment of John Rabuku as acting Director of Public Prosecutions, who was later deemed ineligible by the Supreme Court. She questioned the haste in Malimali’s appointment, especially given the ongoing investigation into her conduct.
“Common sense should dictate that anyone under scrutiny should not be appointed to such a significant position,” Kumar remarked.
While Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has indicated that he will address the situation through a Board of Inquiry, former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry expressed concerns over the Coalition Government’s apparent complacency regarding this issue.
Crossbencher Mosese Bulitavu praised Rabuka’s intention to initiate an inquiry. He noted that the ongoing debate surrounding FICAC is unfolding under Rabuka’s leadership, with several ministers, including the Attorney-General, publicly defending Malimali’s appointment.
“FICAC is an independent body, not under the Prime Minister’s direct control, yet the public often associates its actions with the Prime Minister as head of Government,” Bulitavu said. He believes that a Board of Inquiry would effectively bring closure to the matter.
Malimali declined to comment when approached, stating, “I’m sorry, I actually don’t have anything to say right now, I’m sorry, I can’t answer any questions right now, I have to go.” Attempts to reach Attorney-General Graham Leung and the JSC for comments yielded no responses.