The Non-Governmental Organisation Coalition on Human Rights (NGOCHR) has expressed its discontent with the government’s lack of transparency regarding the ongoing saga of the Barbara Malimali Commission of Inquiry (COI) in Fiji. NGOCHR chairwoman Shamima Ali emphasized the importance of making the COI report public so that citizens can understand how taxpayer money was spent and the outcomes of the inquiry.
Ali highlighted that significant resources have already been invested in this drawn-out process and stressed that the government should focus on more pressing issues affecting the nation. She urged the Coalition Government to remember its commitment to the people and prioritize transparency and integrity in governance.
The calls for openness from NGOCHR echo similar sentiments from various political figures, including Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu, who insists that full disclosure of the report is vital for maintaining public trust and fostering effective governance. Opposition members have previously warned that the failure to release the COI report could undermine public confidence, particularly in light of upcoming legislative measures aimed at improving political accountability, such as the Code of Conduct Bill and Transparency Bill.
The Fiji Law Society has also weighed in, urging the need for independent legal advice regarding the handling of the COI report. They caution that the findings could lead to legal challenges and stress the importance of adhering to constitutional mandates to avoid compromising judicial autonomy.
Major political figures, including Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, have acknowledged the pressure surrounding the report’s release and its wider implications for the nation’s governance landscape. As discussions continue, there is a collective hope among citizens that the findings of the inquiry will lead to necessary reforms, restore public trust, and pave the way for a more accountable and transparent government.
This ongoing dialogue about transparency reflects a critical juncture for Fiji, where the outcomes of the inquiry may not only address issues related to Malimali’s appointment but also foster a culture of ethical governance. Such reforms could significantly enhance trust between the government and the public, marking a hopeful shift towards a more accountable political environment in Fiji.
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