Fiji’s Governance Under Scrutiny: Malimali Demands Transparency Amid COI Controversy

Barbara Malimali has publicly addressed the leak of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) report concerning her appointment as the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). In a Facebook post, she called for a copy of the full report to ensure she can respond to its findings, emphasizing that fundamental justice principles must allow anyone affected by such inquiries access to the relevant information.

Malimali criticized the current handling of the situation, questioning why actions based on the report’s recommendations were taken before the full report was disclosed to her. She expressed deep concerns about the implications for Fiji’s governance, fearing a shift from democracy towards a more authoritarian state. “The fish that is Fiji is rotting,” she stated, urging caution and reflection on the country’s direction.

Further raising alarm, she highlighted the consequences of external influences dictating Fiji’s governance without accountability, suggesting that without proper checks, the country risks prioritizing political loyalty over objective truth and fairness. “Anyone who says otherwise is… fishy,” she wrote.

Malimali remains committed to her role and has stated her determination to challenge the legality and findings of the COI report once she has access to it. This call for due process resonates with ongoing demands from public figures and organizations, such as the Fiji Law Society, which emphasize the importance of judicial independence and the public’s right to understand governmental actions.

The broader context is marked by severe public scrutiny of Malimali’s appointment, with various leaders calling for transparency in governance to restore confidence in FICAC and its crucial role in tackling corruption in Fiji. The hope is that as this inquiry unfolds, it will not only address the specific allegations against Malimali but also pave the way for significant reforms aimed at enhancing trust in governmental institutions.

With growing anticipation for thorough and fair investigations, there remains an optimism that fostering transparency and accountability can lead to a renewed commitment among public officials to uphold ethical standards across Fiji’s governance framework.