Explosive revelations have come to light following the leak of an unredacted report from the Commission of Inquiry (COI) regarding the controversial appointment of former FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali. The document, compiled by COI chair Justice David Ashton-Lewis and legal counsel Janet Mason, has circulated widely on social media and was confirmed as authentic by the Fiji Sun.
The COI’s findings characterize Malimali’s appointment as “legally invalid,” “ethically reprehensible,” and “procedurally corrupted.” It alleges that the selection process was fraught with professional negligence, unlawful conduct, and deliberate concealment of pertinent information. High-ranking judicial officials reportedly either facilitated or ignored Malimali’s appointment despite her being under investigation by FICAC for potential abuse of office.
Professor Shaista Shameem, Dean of the Justice Devendra Pathik School of Law at the University of Fiji, has called for immediate accountability, urging all public officials named in the report to step aside. She expressed dismay at the scale of the corruption, suggesting that the integrity of the judiciary and senior members of the legal community might be compromised.
In light of these allegations, there is a growing demand for a complete and transparent disclosure of the report to ensure that those implicated have the opportunity to defend themselves, especially amid concerns over judicial independence. Transparency is seen as crucial for restoring public trust in Fiji’s governance.
This inquiry represents a critical opportunity for reform within Fiji’s governance and judicial systems. By addressing the serious integrity failures identified in the COI report, there is potential for significant improvements in accountability and ethical standards in public service appointments. Stakeholders remain hopeful that this investigation will ignite necessary changes and help restore confidence in Fiji’s institutions. As discussions unfold, the commitment to confronting these allegations may serve as a pivotal moment for enhanced governance practices throughout the nation.
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