The Prime Minister is advised to consider recommending the removal of the Chief Justice following allegations of misbehavior related to the appointment of former FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali. This suggestion emerges from a document purported to be derived from the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) report, which cites concerns over the appointment process of Malimali and her ex-deputy, Frances Puleiwai.
The document asserts that the involvement of the Chief Justice in these appointments requires further examination under Section 111(3) of the Constitution. The recommendations included in the report highlight procedural irregularities and potential abuses of power that warrant a thorough review.
Additionally, the report urges for the reinstatement or compensation of Puleiwai, who claims to have been constructively dismissed. It calls for a reevaluation of how sensitive case files, particularly those involving Cabinet Ministers, are handled by Ms Malimali, suggesting a need for independent oversight.
Key recommendations also propose that former FICAC officials who participated in the appointments should not engage in any future investigations. Instead, the report advocates for the hiring of a new Commissioner from abroad to ensure greater institutional integrity.
Further reforms in the FICAC Act are suggested, including transferring the power of appointment from the Judicial Services Commission to the Prime Minister, in consultation with the Constitutional Offices Commission. The inquiry calls for reviews of cases overseen during Malimali’s tenure and a reassessment of other related agencies.
A hopeful perspective on the situation is that these findings could serve as a catalyst for necessary reforms in Fiji’s legal and governance systems, promoting transparency and accountability. Stakeholders view the ongoing examination as a pivotal moment for enacting changes that could ultimately restore public confidence in Fiji’s institutions.
With pressure mounting for accountability, the hope is that this inquiry will not only address past grievances but also strengthen the framework for future governance, ensuring a more trustworthy environment. Promisingly, the public call for transparency and integrity emphasizes a community eager for reform and better governance practices.
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