The Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the appointment of Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner Barbara Malimali commenced today, with a roster of notable individuals expected to participate in the hearings over the coming days.
Senior legal counsel Janet Mason announced that the commission will summon 35 witnesses, including Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and members of the Judicial Services Commission, among them Chief Justice Salesi Temo, who serves as chairperson. Other key figures set to appear include FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali, former acting deputy commissioner Francis Puleiwai, and Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa. Various ministers, such as Siromi Turaga and Graham Leung, are also slated to testify.
Mason emphasized that the commission’s independence will be upheld throughout the inquiry. The primary objective is to assess whether the appointment process for Ms. Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of FICAC was executed with integrity, fairness, and transparency in accordance with the law. The commission will investigate any potential improper or unlawful influences that may have occurred during Ms. Malimali’s appointment.
Given the sensitive nature of the proceedings, which will delve into possible criminal matters currently under investigation, the hearings will be conducted in closed sessions, inaccessible to the public and media. Mason highlighted the necessity for confidentiality to ensure that ongoing criminal investigations are not compromised.
The inquiry is taking place at the Supreme Court complex in Suva. Following the hearings, a report detailing the findings is scheduled to be presented to President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu and shared with the Prime Minister by January 31.
This inquiry reflects a commitment to accountability within the FICAC and emphasizes the importance of transparency in public service appointments. As the process unfolds, it stands as a vital opportunity for reinforcing trust in governance and ensuring that positions of power are filled with integrity.
Summary: The COI into FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali’s appointment has begun, with Prime Minister Rabuka among the 35 witnesses called to testify. The hearings will be confidential due to the investigation of potential criminal matters and are expected to conclude with a report by the end of January. This inquiry highlights the commitment to uphold integrity and transparency in governmental processes.
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