JANET Mason, the counsel assisting the Malimali Commission of Inquiry (COI), has made it clear that she is not a King’s Counsel from New Zealand, a clarification prompted by Justice David Ashton-Lewis’s recent comments. Mason responded to claims made in a radio interview by stating, “That is absolutely not correct… I have never, ever passed myself off as an NZ KC. My title is Senior Legal Counsel.”
Justice Ashton-Lewis, who has praised Mason’s litigation skills as comparable to any KC, may have mistakenly referred to her as such. Mason emphasized the importance of maintaining professionalism and neutrality throughout the inquiry. She noted that it would be inappropriate to comment further on Ashton-Lewis’s remarks, as they are now part of a Judicial Services Commission (JSC) complaint.
Mason has remained dedicated to ensuring that her conduct during the COI upholds standards of objectivity and fairness. She indicated that it would be beneficial for both Justice Ashton-Lewis and herself to advise the Prime Minister on the implementation of the COI’s recommendations, particularly given their deep understanding of the issues after seven months of investigation.
The COI, which investigates the appointment of Barbara Malimali as the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), has been under intense scrutiny, particularly regarding Malimali’s appointment process and recent allegations surrounding her conduct, including the dismissal of a key witness.
The inquiry represents an opportunity for enhanced transparency and accountability in Fiji’s governance. As stakeholders navigate through the complexities surrounding this investigation, there exists hope that the outcomes will lead to significant reforms that bolster public trust and ethical practices within governmental processes. The ongoing discussions reflect not only an acute examination of specific allegations but also a broader commitment to fostering integrity and accountability in Fiji’s political and legal systems.
Leave a comment