A church meeting sparked questions yesterday over the nomination of Tanya Waqanika and Barbara Malimali to a newly formed six-member committee that will review the church’s constitution every decade.
At the gathering, church lawyer Simione Valenitabua proposed the inclusion of Waqanika and Malimali, joining himself and Reverend Dr William James Powell who already serves at Davuilevu Theological College. Attendees also learned that Reverend Rusiate Tuidrakulu and former church president Reverend Ili Vunisuwai were among the six individuals being considered, alongside Valenitabua and Powell.
Leba Halofaki, a prominent member, expressed concern about appointing Waqanika and Malimali “given that we all clearly know about the case that is before the High Court.” She added that the church should safeguard its reputation and avoid creating a perception of being judged or compromised by ongoing government matters.
Valenitabua responded that Waqanika has no current case before the court; she has merely been representing a client in court. He noted that Malimali’s involvement has been the subject of ongoing government litigation, but emphasized that neither she nor the government has had a verdict in their favor, and the case remains unresolved.
Ultimately, the assembly comprising divisional superintendents, chief stewards, and circuit ministers gave their consent to the proposed appointments. The group’s approval included Reverend Rusiate Tuidrakulu and Reverend Ili Vunisuwai as part of the six-member panel.
Context from related discussions
– The broader public discourse around Malimali has featured scrutiny from opposition figures in Fiji who have questioned governance, transparency, and due diligence in her public appointments. While those discussions center on her role as Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner, they underscore a general sensitivity to questions of integrity, independence, and the proper handling of ongoing investigations when appointing individuals to high-profile roles.
Summary
– A church committee tasked with reviewing the constitution every 10 years is set to include Tanya Waqanika, Barbara Malimali, Simione Valenitabua, Reverend Dr William Powell, Reverend Rusiate Tuidrakulu, and Reverend Ili Vunisuwai.
– A church member raised concerns about the suitability of Waqanika and Malimali due to ongoing government-related matters.
– Church leaders maintained that the appointments are appropriate and necessary for strong governance, and the group approved the six-member panel.
Added value and commentary
– This episode illustrates how faith-based organizations balance expertise and public perception when forming governance bodies. The inclusion of individuals with legal experience and public service backgrounds can strengthen constitutional reviews, provided due diligence and transparency are maintained.
– The discussions reflect a broader global pattern where public figures connected to ongoing investigations or high-profile inquiries are scrutinized even in non-political settings. Clear communication about processes and timelines can help protect institutional integrity and public trust.
Potential next steps
– The church may publish a formal statement detailing the selection criteria, expected timelines for the constitutional review, and measures to ensure impartiality.
– The panel could outline a structured process for the review, including stakeholder consultations and a transparent reporting mechanism.
Hopeful note
– If the panel proceeds with openness and clear governance standards, the church can reinforce its commitment to a robust constitution and governance that withstands public scrutiny, strengthening community confidence in its leadership moving forward.
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