Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has expressed disapproval over the recent leak of the final Commission of Inquiry (COI) report concerning the appointment of former Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), Barbara Malimali. He described the situation as “deeply disappointing,” emphasizing that it undermines the integrity of the investigative process.
The leaked document, which emerged on social media, characterized Malimali’s appointment as “legally invalid,” “ethically reprehensible,” and “procedurally corrupted.” It alleged serious concerns including professional negligence, concealment of facts, and unlawful conduct by senior judicial officials. Notably, it was revealed that Malimali was under an active FICAC investigation at the time of her appointment, a detail that was never disclosed to the public.
In light of the leak, Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu announced that a criminal investigation would commence following a formal referral from President Ratu Willame Katonivere. He confirmed a high-level meeting with key officials from both FICAC and the CID to ensure a coordinated and efficient investigative approach.
This situation has raised considerable public and legal concern regarding the legitimacy of decisions made during Malimali’s tenure. Previous articles highlighted that her appointment was not only politically influenced but also potentially designed to shield certain high-ranking officials from scrutiny. The inquiries around Malimali’s appointment have been accompanied by calls for enhanced governance practices within Fiji’s political landscape.
As this inquiry progresses, there is a collective hope that it will not only lead to accountability for past injustices but also catalyze significant reforms aimed at bolstering public trust in government institutions. Stakeholders express optimism that these developments may enhance ethical governance standards, leading to a more transparent and accountable political framework moving forward.
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