TRADE Minister Manoa Kamikamica has confirmed his role as Acting Prime Minister during the controversial appointment of Barbara Malimali, who was recently dismissed as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). This appointment occurred on August 27, while Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka was on an official visit to Kiribati.
Kamikamica has stated that his involvement was unrelated to Malimali’s appointment and emphasized that he is waiting for the Commission of Inquiry (COI) report to clarify his position and understand the circumstances surrounding this incident. He supports transparency and believes the report should be publicly released.
In light of the inquiry, Kamikamica has experienced mounting pressure and urged the public to refrain from assumptions until the findings are made available. He acknowledged that the inquiry’s focus includes serious allegations against several individuals, indicating the potential for significant repercussions in the political landscape of Fiji.
The report is expected to provide insights on governance integrity and accountability, critical issues in Fiji’s current political climate. Echoing sentiments expressed in previous articles, there is hope that this inquiry will catalyze necessary reforms within the government amidst heightened scrutiny of public officials’ conduct.
Kamikamica has also responded to comments made by COI Commissioner Justice David Ashton-Lewis, asserting his intent to clarify any misunderstandings and contribute his perspective once the report is released. Maintaining a commitment to transparency, he expressed that constructive dialogue is essential for fostering positive governance in Fiji.
This situation underscores a pivotal moment for Fiji, highlighting a collective desire among citizens for transparency and accountability in governance. With mounting public pressure for the full release of the COI report, there remains an optimistic outlook for restoring trust and implementing necessary reforms within Fiji’s political institutions moving forward.
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