A Commission of Inquiry is currently underway at the Old Parliamentary complex in Veiuto, Suva, to evaluate whether Barbara Malimali’s appointment as the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) adhered to legal protocols.
The inquiry commenced today, featuring Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka as the first witness, fulfilling his role as the chairman of the Constitutional Offices Commission. This investigation, led by Supreme Court Justice David Aston-Lewis, will scrutinize any potential improper or unlawful influences related to Malimali’s official appointment on September 5, 2024.
The Commission’s evaluation will focus on whether Malimali’s appointment was swayed by vested interests, particularly concerning any ongoing FICAC cases involving high-profile figures such as Members of Parliament, Ministers, and senior public officials. The proceedings will last until January 16, with a total of 34 witnesses expected to be called, including Deputy Prime Ministers Professor Biman Prasad and Manoa Kamikamica, former Women’s Minister Lynda Tabuya, Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu, Attorney-General Graham Leung, and former President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere.
Malimali is being represented in the inquiry by local lawyer Tanya Waqanika. The Commission is anticipated to submit its final report to both the President and the Prime Minister by January 31, 2025.
This inquiry reflects a commitment to uphold transparency and accountability within the FICAC, which is crucial in fostering public trust in governmental institutions. As the proceedings move forward, the possibility for accountability and reform remains a hopeful prospect for Fiji’s governance.
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