Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced that there are no new developments regarding the Commission of Inquiry (COI) report on the appointment of Barbara Malimali as the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). Speaking recently, Rabuka deemed it “premature” to make the full report public, suggesting that it may be necessary for supplementary investigations by the Fiji Police or FICAC, which could be jeopardized by a premature release.
The Prime Minister’s remarks follow increasing pressure from opposition parties and civil society organizations demanding the publication of the inquiry’s findings. Unity Fiji party leader Savenaca Narube emphasized that since the public funded this inquiry, it ought to be made available to taxpayers. He articulated a sentiment echoed by many critics: “If he doesn’t, the people will know beyond any doubt that this Government serves its own interests—not the people’s.”
The inquiry has garnered significant attention as it not only addresses Malimali’s appointment but also suggests a deeper examination of governance and integrity issues within FICAC. Justice David Ashton-Lewis, leading the inquiry, previously mentioned that although the inquiry’s terms were narrow, evidence collected necessitated the consideration of broader matters related to governance.
Compounding the urgency for transparency, past articles have indicated that the findings of this report could potentially unveil significant allegations regarding the selection process and political interference. Despite the current withholding of the report, public sentiment remains hopeful that, once revealed, the inquiry’s findings will lead to essential reforms and foster a culture of accountability and transparency in Fiji’s governance.
As stakeholders await further updates, there lies a collective aspiration for the outcomes of this inquiry to catalyze necessary changes that could restore trust in governmental institutions and promote ethical practices moving forward.
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