Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is facing increasing pressure to comprehensively implement the recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry (COI) concerning the controversial appointment of Barbara Malimali, who recently lost her position as the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
Savenaca Narube, the leader of the Unity Fiji Party, has called the scandal a “Category 7 man-made cyclone,” stating that it has significantly undermined public trust and raised serious concerns about political integrity and corruption. Narube, a former Reserve Bank of Fiji governor, urges the Prime Minister to demonstrate accountability and transparency within Cabinet and state institutions implicated by the findings of the COI.
He insists on the need for the public release of the full COI report, without any selective disclosures, and demands that no one, regardless of their rank, should be shielded from prosecution if implicated. Narube emphasizes that this “Cyclone Malimali” is not over, and vigilance is essential until all practices of corruption are thoroughly exposed and addressed.
The COI, which has shed light on serious integrity issues within government appointments, has made several urgent recommendations, including:
– Full public disclosure of the COI report.
– Legal action against implicated individuals.
– Renewal of corruption cases that were previously dropped.
– A thorough cleanup of corrupt practices within governmental agencies.
– Enhanced investigative capabilities for FICAC and law enforcement.
Prime Minister Rabuka confirmed last night the termination of Ms. Malimali and FICAC acting deputy commissioner Lisiate Fotofili. He had previously dismissed Attorney-General Graham Leung, stating that the findings from the COI rendered Leung’s position within the Cabinet unsustainable.
Rabuka has urged patience among the public, promising careful navigation of the COI Report’s implementation, ensuring that investigations are not compromised while respecting civil rights. He expresses his commitment to the report’s release, funded by the taxpayers of Fiji.
The recent developments and ongoing discussions reflect a pivotal time for Fiji’s political landscape, echoing the demands of citizens for transparency and reform. The anticipation surrounding the COI report offers a hopeful perspective that meaningful changes could enhance governance integrity and restore public confidence in the political system. There remains a collective desire among the populace for transparent governance, which could act as a catalyst for comprehensive reform and ethical leadership in the future.
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