The Commission of Inquiry (COI) focused on the appointment of Barbara Malimali as the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) is ramping up its efforts, now seeking an urgent meeting with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. This move follows Malimali’s concerns regarding former employee Kuliniasi Saumi’s access to sensitive documents, suggesting potential integrity issues within FICAC.
Despite the urgency of the situation, Prime Minister Rabuka has not yet replied to two formal requests for a meeting, including one sent by Senior Barrister Janet Mason. The COI’s investigation, now in its seventh week, aims to determine whether any inconsistencies affected Malimali’s contentious appointment, with witness testimonies nearing completion.
On the same day, Chief Justice Salesi Temo and additional FICAC witnesses provided their statements, adding complexity to the inquiry. The testimony of the final witness, Chief Registrar Tomasi Bainivalu, is currently postponed as he is overseas, which extends the inquiry timeline to next week.
Public interest is growing regarding the transparency and integrity of Malimali’s appointment, as the inquiry’s goal is to ensure no improper influences tainted the selection process. The ongoing investigation into the legitimacy of FICAC’s leadership under Malimali highlights the heightened scrutiny this vital oversight body is facing.
This inquiry represents a crucial opportunity for Fiji to reaffirm its commitment to accountability and integrity within its governance. As the investigation advances, there is optimism that it will illuminate potential issues and drive necessary reforms that elevate ethical standards in public service. Ultimately, the findings of this inquiry may lay the groundwork for a more transparent and accountable governance structure in Fiji, fostering a promising outlook for the nation’s political future.
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