Calls Rise for Transparency: What’s Inside the Controversial FICAC Report?

Pressure is mounting to publicly release the Commission of Inquiry (COI) report regarding the controversial appointment of Barbara Malimali as the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). In a recent interview, Commissioner Justice David Ashton-Lewis indicated that there is significant demand from the Opposition and the public for transparency about the report, which he believes may have already been leaked.

Justice Ashton-Lewis noted that currently, only four individuals, including the Prime Minister and the President, are privy to the report’s full content. He expressed confidence that any attempts to prevent its release through legal injunctions would not succeed, stating, “you can’t injunct the state, you can’t injunct the head of state,” which implies the report’s release ultimately lies in the hands of the President.

The urgency for disclosing the report is intensified by previous discussions emphasizing the importance of public accountability and transparency, particularly as the report may contain implications for individuals in high office. Recommendations made in the report could pave the way for essential reforms aimed at enhancing governance and restoring public trust in governmental institutions.

Former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum previously emphasized that the public deserves clarity, pointing out that the Commission of Inquiry was taxpayer-funded and thus should be made available to the public. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has addressed the concerns surrounding the inquiry, highlighting that while the report is complex, it requires careful consideration before any public announcement.

Despite the challenges, there remains a hopeful sentiment that the outcomes of the inquiry can drive necessary changes in Fiji’s political landscape, fostering a culture of accountability and shaking off previous governance shortcomings. The ongoing dialogue surrounding the report signifies a collective aspiration for improved ethical standards in governance and may ultimately lead to a more transparent and accountable political future in Fiji.