The Commission of Inquiry (COI) has contacted Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu to address concerns surrounding Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner Barbara Malimali’s recent actions. Senior Barrister Janet Mason pointed out that Malimali had questioned how former Manager of Investigations Kuliniasi Saumi accessed documents pertinent to the ongoing inquiry.
Mason expressed dissatisfaction with Malimali’s conduct and emphasized that a letter was sent to Rabuka and Lalabalavu detailing the COI’s grievances and considering potential legal avenues, though specifics have not been disclosed to the public. She confirmed Saumi’s return to testify, where he presented significant evidence. Mason highlighted the implications of Malimali’s leave status, suggesting that if she had been suspended, it might have prevented her from intervening in matters pertaining to witness access to documents.
This situation developed following the termination of Saumi, who is viewed as a substantial witness in the ongoing inquiry. The COI has been advocating for Malimali’s suspension, believing that her continued role could jeopardize the integrity of the inquiry and intimidate other potential witnesses.
The complexities of this case illustrate the ongoing challenges within Fiji’s governance and accountability structures, indicating a critical need for thorough oversight and transparency. As the inquiry continues, there is a hopeful outlook that it will reinforce ethical standards within public institutions and enhance the public’s trust in systems designed to combat corruption.
As developments unfold, the inquiry presents an opportunity to establish stronger policies aimed at protecting whistleblowers and ensuring the integrity of testimonies, potentially leading to meaningful reforms in Fiji’s public service governance.
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