Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Nancy Tikoisuva and Deputy DPP John Rabuku are set to appear today before the Commission of Inquiry (COI) regarding the appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). They will be joined by former Minister for Forests and Fisheries Kalivati Ravu and Semi Koroilavesau, both of whom have also been summoned to testify.

The COI is presided over by Justice David Aston-Lewis from the Supreme Court and has been established to investigate whether the process leading to Malimali’s appointment in September of the previous year was conducted in compliance with legal standards and free from any improper or unlawful influences. The inquiry will scrutinize if there were any vested interests, particularly pertaining to ongoing FICAC investigations that may involve high-profile figures such as Members of Parliament and senior public servants.

Malimali is being represented by Suva lawyer Tanya Waqanika throughout the proceedings. The COI is anticipated to deliver its final report to both the President and the Prime Minister by the end of January.

This inquiry serves as a crucial moment for governance in Fiji, emphasizing the need for ethical standards, transparency, and accountability within public service appointments. The current hearings reflect a broader commitment to restoring public trust in governmental operations. As these proceedings unfold, there is a hopeful outlook that the findings may instigate essential reforms aimed at promoting integrity within Fiji’s public administration.

In summary, the ongoing COI is critically evaluating the legitimacy of FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali’s appointment, highlighting the essential principles of accountability and transparency in governance. The outcomes of this inquiry may pave the way for necessary reforms that reinforce the integrity of Fiji’s governmental institutions and restore public confidence.