The Fiji Law Society has publicly advised Janet Mason to step aside from her role as counsel assisting the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). The Society emphasized that her ongoing involvement could jeopardize public confidence in the inquiry’s integrity. Importantly, they clarified that they are not calling for her outright removal but rather view her stepping aside as a prudent measure until the issues surrounding her professional conduct are clarified.
The recommendation follows a misconduct finding against Mason by the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal, which she is currently appealing. There are additional concerns associated with her application for a practicing certificate in Fiji, where serious allegations have emerged about the handling of her case by the Legal Practitioners Unit.
The Fiji Law Society underscored the necessity for all participants in the COI to maintain high standards of integrity and professionalism, especially since the inquiry focuses on the legality and propriety of Malimali’s appointment. They noted that both Mason and the Commissioner must be perceived as having an integrity that is beyond reproach to uphold trust in the COI’s processes.
Mason has voiced her own concerns, claiming that the Fiji Law Society is trying to undermine her position. She has filed a police report alleging document tampering related to her practicing certificate application, asserting her commitment to ethical legal practices and defending her qualifications.
As the inquiry progresses, there is a sense of optimism that this situation could catalyze necessary reforms within Fiji’s governance framework. This inquiry is seen not only as a response to the specific allegations regarding Malimali’s appointment but also as an opportunity to reinforce ethical governance and accountability standards across Fiji’s political and legal institutions.
In summary, while challenges regarding Mason’s role persist, this inquiry represents a vital opportunity for fostering enhanced governance practices in Fiji. There is hope that the findings will lead to substantive changes that ultimately restore faith in the integrity of public institutions and promote transparency in governance.
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