Lawyers representing Barbara Malimali, the recently dismissed Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), have announced that they are seeking an out-of-court settlement with the Government. Tanya Waqanika, Malimali’s lawyer, disclosed that the Commission of Inquiry report has adversely affected her client’s professional standing accumulated over her 27-year career.
Ms. Waqanika alluded to the possibility of a financial settlement, confirming that discussions were underway regarding what the Government might offer. The legal discussions come in the wake of significant allegations made against Malimali, which have raised questions about her qualifications and the integrity of her appointment as FICAC Commissioner.
This legal battle follows assertions made during previous inquiries, where Malimali’s qualifications and motives were heavily scrutinized. Justice David Ashton-Lewis, who oversaw the inquiry, suggested that Malimali had substantial links to corruption, claiming that her rapid advancement within Fiji’s judicial system was connected to her efforts to shield influential figures from scrutiny.
Additionally, legal actions have been initiated against high-ranking officials, including the President and Prime Minister of Fiji, asserting that the dismissal process lacked adherence to constitutional rights and due legal process. The discussions about a potential settlement reflect ongoing debates about governance and accountability within Fiji’s political landscape.
As this situation develops, there remains a glimmer of hope that these legal proceedings will lead to meaningful reform in governance practices, ultimately fostering greater transparency and trust in Fijian institutions. Public attention will remain focused on how these negotiations unfold and their implications for the integrity of future appointments in the nation’s anti-corruption efforts.
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