Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Nancy Tikoisuva and Deputy DPP John Rabuku are scheduled to testify today in the ongoing Commission of Inquiry (COI) centered on the appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). Alongside them, former Minister for Forests and Fisheries Kalivati Ravu and Semi Koroilavesau have also been summoned to provide their testimonies.

The COI is tasked with determining whether Malimali’s appointment, which took place in September of last year, was executed according to legal standards and free from any improper influences. Led by Supreme Court Justice David Aston-Lewis, the inquiry seeks to uncover any potential vested interests affecting the appointment process, particularly those linked to current FICAC investigations involving high-profile officials like Members of Parliament and senior public servants.

Representing Malimali in these proceedings is Suva lawyer Tanya Waqanika. The final report from the COI is expected to be submitted to both the President and the Prime Minister by the end of this month.

This inquiry is not only a critical evaluation of the integrity of the appointment process but also signifies a broader commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability within public institutions. As the hearings progress, there exists a hopeful prospect for necessary reforms that could enhance public trust in government practices and the execution of public service in Fiji. The findings from the inquiry could pave the way for improved governance standards, reinforcing the principles of ethics and integrity.

In summary, the COI is playing an essential role in scrutinizing the legitimacy of Commissioner Malimali’s appointment, making strides toward greater accountability in Fiji’s governance landscape.