Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to establishing a Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the contested appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). Despite rising public concerns about the COI’s effectiveness and associated costs, Mr. Rabuka argues that bypassing the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) is a necessary step to ensure an impartial and transparent investigation.
In a statement, he emphasized, “Nothing good ever came cheap!” He defended the decision, stating that insights from initial reports guided him to believe that a COI was the most suitable approach to address potential biases and uphold standards of integrity. The inquiry focuses on the appointment process itself, which has sparked notable public interest.
However, the announcement has not been without criticism. Skeptics express doubt regarding the COI’s potential to provide actionable findings, raising concerns that it may only produce reports without leading to tangible justice. Additionally, Mr. Rabuka acknowledged worries regarding possible legal implications for members of his Coalition Government in connection with the inquiry.
He clarified that the COI is not meant to personally target Ms. Malimali but is designed to scrutinize the integrity of her appointment process. “This inquiry is not about Ms. Malimali as an individual; it seeks to unveil whether anyone has exploited their position to interfere with lawful governance and the rule of law,” he stated.
As political factions, including the Opposition, continue to demand clarity regarding Ms. Malimali’s appointment, the Prime Minister sees the inquiry as a vital mechanism to enhance transparency and accountability within Fiji’s governance framework. This commitment to thorough investigation reflects a positive effort towards rebuilding public trust in governmental institutions. Such initiatives could significantly contribute to fostering a more transparent political climate in Fiji, underscoring the critical role of integrity in public service.
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