Pressure is mounting on the Government, particularly Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, to promptly establish an independent Board of Inquiry regarding the contentious appointment of Barbara Malimali as the new Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
Political analysts assert that, although the process may be expensive and lengthy, it is essential for accountability. Opposition MP Premila Kumar emphasized the need for clarity, stating that the citizens of Fiji are closely observing the situation.
Kumar recalled that this was not the first instance of misjudgment by the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), pointing to last year’s appointment of John Rabuku as acting Director of Public Prosecutions, who was later deemed ineligible by the Supreme Court.
“Why was Malimali’s appointment expedited despite known investigations into her?” Kumar questioned, asserting that logic suggests individuals under investigation should not be promoted to such prominent positions.
Despite Prime Minister Rabuka’s plans to address the issue through the Board of Inquiry, former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry expressed concerns over the Coalition Government’s previous inaction regarding the matter.
Crossbench MP Mosese Bulitavu praised Rabuka’s initiative in proposing the Board of Inquiry, noting that the ongoing FICAC discussions are taking place under Rabuka’s leadership, with some ministers, including the Attorney-General, publicly defending Malimali’s appointment.
“FICAC operates independently, and the Prime Minister does not directly manage it, yet people will often hold him accountable,” Bulitavu remarked, believing that a Board of Inquiry would bring closure to the ongoing controversy.
When reached for comment, Ms. Malimali declined to provide a statement, stating, “I’m sorry, I actually don’t have anything to say right now, I’m sorry, I can’t answer any questions right now, I have to go.”
Attempts to contact Attorney-General Graham Leung and the JSC for further comment also went unanswered.