Fiji COI Row: Opposition Demands Transparency Over Settlement Talks

The Fijian Government is under renewed scrutiny regarding the handling of taxpayer-funded Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the appointment of Barbara Malimali as the commissioner for the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption. Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu expressed his profound disappointment and concerns about the recent developments surrounding the COI, particularly following actions in the High Court.

Established by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, the COI was intended to serve as a public-interest initiative aimed at restoring trust in vital state institutions. However, Seruiratu has raised alarms about the government’s apparent shift toward a settlement that could potentially compromise the very transparency and accountability that the COI was meant to uphold.

Seruiratu highlighted that it’s troubling to learn that the state may be considering a settlement with the Judicial Services Commission where certain terms could remain confidential. He argued that the COI was funded by taxpayer money with the understanding that the public deserves to know the truth of the proceedings.

“It is wholly unacceptable that public funds may now be used to settle proceedings on terms that will never be disclosed to the Fijian people,” he stated. He criticized the government’s actions as indicative of “weak and indecisive leadership at the highest level,” suggesting that the administration seems to be prioritizing political convenience over steadfast principles of transparency.

Calling for full disclosure of any settlement terms arising from the COI, Seruiratu urged the Prime Minister to reaffirm the government’s commitment to transparency and integrity. As of now, inquiries directed at Prime Minister Rabuka and Attorney-General Siromi Turaga have gone unanswered.

This situation provides an opportunity for the government to reinforce its dedication to transparency and restore public faith in state processes, particularly in matters that significantly impact citizens. The handling of this COI could serve as a pivotal moment for the Rabuka administration to align its actions with the principles it initially championed.