Pressure is mounting on the Government, particularly on the Prime Minister, to swiftly establish an independent Board of Inquiry regarding the contentious appointment of Barbara Malimali as the new Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
Political analysts argue that, despite the potential costs and duration of the inquiry, it is a necessary step. The citizens of Fiji are seeking clarity and are closely monitoring the situation, according to Premila Kumar, the only female member of the Opposition in Parliament.
Kumar pointed out that the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) has made similar mistakes in the past, referencing the appointment of John Rabuku as acting Director of Public Prosecutions last year, which was later deemed invalid by the Supreme Court. She questioned the haste of Malimali’s appointment, especially given the known investigation against her.
“Common sense suggests that anyone under investigation should not be promoted to such a significant position,” Kumar stated.
Despite Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s announcement about moving forward with a Board of Inquiry, former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry expressed concern over the apparent negligence displayed by the Coalition Government regarding the matter.
Crossbencher Mosese Bulitavu praised Rabuka’s initiative to establish the Board of Inquiry, highlighting that the ongoing FICAC discussions are occurring under the Prime Minister’s leadership, with several ministers, including the Attorney-General, publicly supporting Malimali’s appointment.
Bulitavu emphasized that FICAC operates independently of the Prime Minister’s oversight, yet he acknowledged that public perception often links the agency’s issues back to the leadership of the government.
He believed that a Board of Inquiry would provide closure to the ongoing controversy.
Malimali was approached for comment but declined, stating, “I’m sorry, I actually don’t have anything to say right now, I’m sorry, I can’t answer any questions right now, I have to go.”
Efforts to reach Attorney-General Graham Leung and the JSC for comments were unsuccessful.