Barbara Malimali, the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), is facing increased scrutiny from the Commission of Inquiry (COI) examining her appointment. Counsel for the inquiry, Janet Mason, revealed that Malimali sent an email on Tuesday questioning the access given to former FICAC investigations manager Kuliniasi Saumi to certain documents relevant to the inquiry.
This scrutiny is tied to Saumi’s scheduled testimony before the COI, which centers around critical FICAC files. Remarkably, Saumi had previously been unable to access these documents following his termination by Malimali. Fortunately, he managed to retrieve the required files, thanks to assurances made by Acting Deputy Commissioner Lisiate Fotofili regarding document access and the protection of witnesses during the inquiry.
Mason expressed concerns over Malimali’s later objections to Saumi’s access, implying interference that undermines the integrity of the inquiry. The COI has been in communication with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu regarding these developments and is actively contemplating various legal options in response to the situation.
The backdrop of this inquiry involves serious allegations against Malimali’s conduct during her tenure leading FICAC. The commission is particularly examining her handling of witness testimonies and potential threats to their safety, which have been amplified by her past decisions, such as Saumi’s dismissal. Significantly, the COI believes that her appointment may jeopardize the inquiry’s credibility and that temporary suspension would be more effective than simply placing her on leave.
This inquiry not only represents an opportunity to address governance concerns within Fiji and bolster public trust in institutions designed to combat corruption, but it also signals a call for reforms that could enhance protections for whistleblowers and ethical standards in public offices. The ongoing inquiry aims to uphold justice and transparency within governmental structures, marking a hopeful path toward improving accountability in Fiji’s governance.
As the situation continues to unfold, the commitment of involved authorities to reinforce the integrity of public institutions sets a positive precedent for handling future allegations of misconduct within the nation’s leadership.
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