Chief Justice Salesi Temo was recently seen at the Commission of Inquiry (COI) venue, now in its fourth day, at the Old Parliament Complex in Veiuto, Suva. This inquiry focuses on the controversial appointment of Barbara Malimali as the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), a position she has held since September 5, 2024.

The legitimacy of Ms. Malimali’s appointment has attracted scrutiny from political analysts and Opposition Members of Parliament who question whether any improper or unlawful influences impacted the selection process. Justice Temo, when approached for comments, mentioned possible changes to the inquiry schedule, stating, “Probably they have changed the schedule; I’ll have to be informed later.” He is expected to provide testimony at the COI tomorrow.

While the inquiry aims to clarify the appointment’s legality, it has faced challenges in adhering to its planned schedule with 35 witnesses, as many have taken the time to provide in-depth testimonies.

This inquiry is significant not only for addressing questions surrounding the FICAC Commissioner’s appointment but also for reinforcing the importance of transparency and accountability in governmental procedures. The process serves as an opportunity for potential reform and reassessment of how such critical appointments are conducted in the future.

As the inquiry continues, there is hope that it will lead to more robust regulations and increased public trust in Fiji’s institutions, particularly those tasked with combating corruption. The ongoing proceedings underscore a commitment to maintaining integrity within government operations, which is essential for ensuring public confidence in governance.