Chief Registrar Tomasi Bainivalu has issued a warning to Francis Puleiwai, urging her not to undermine the integrity of his office. Bainivalu’s admonition follows Puleiwai’s recent complaint against FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali regarding her issuance of a Stop Departure Order (SDO).
Puleiwai’s grievance stems from the SDO that Malimali authorized shortly after Puleiwai had left for Brisbane, Australia. She contends that the SDO was issued without an ongoing investigation, claiming it was a misuse of authority since it was not served within the mandated 24-hour timeframe. “The law clearly outlines the powers and processes that must be followed,” she remarked, emphasizing that the SDO was inappropriately employed to prevent her from traveling while a case was being assembled against her.
In her email complaint submitted last Thursday, Puleiwai expressed concern over the continued validity of the SDO in the immigration system, suggesting procedural errors had occurred that warranted rescinding the order.
Bainivalu responded to Puleiwai’s complaint by requesting she respect the independence of the legal system in how complaints are accepted and processed. He criticized her for copying high-profile officials, including members of the media, into her correspondence, which he deemed as disregarding the seriousness of the matter. “I kindly ask that you do not make a mockery of its system,” he stated, assuring her that her complaint would be handled like any other.
Puleiwai defended her actions by stressing the importance of transparency and accountability in the handling of complaints. She clarified that her intention in informing various parties was to ensure that her complaint would receive due process and to counteract any potential bias. “I would like to see the due process being followed and not allegedly just showing favour to certain individuals,” she asserted.
The dynamic between the parties highlights the ongoing challenges in maintaining transparency and impartiality within Fiji’s legal and regulatory frameworks. Stakeholders are urged to engage in open dialogue to resolve such disputes constructively.
In summary, the contention between Puleiwai and Bainivalu underscores the necessity for clear and respectful communication within Fiji’s legal system. Moving forward, fostering an environment of accountability can contribute positively to the trust in legal institutions.
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