Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has stood by the government’s decision to create a Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the disputed Malimali appointment, despite growing public concerns regarding its enforcement capabilities and potential costs. In a statement to The Fiji Times, Mr. Rabuka emphasized that bypassing the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) was intended to maintain impartiality and transparency during the investigation.
“Nothing good ever came cheap! With insights garnered from Ms. Puleiwai’s initial reports and my commitment to prevent bias or compromise, I determined that initiating a COI was the most appropriate course of action,” he remarked. This inquiry primarily addresses the process surrounding Ms. Barbara Malimali’s appointment as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), a topic that has significantly captured public attention.
Despite the legitimacy of the inquiry, critics are vocal about doubts surrounding the COI’s effectiveness, worrying it may compile reports that lack actionable outcomes and fail to fulfill the public’s desire for justice. The Prime Minister also acknowledged concerns regarding potential legal repercussions for members of his Coalition Government, specifically relating to possible criminal charges tied to the inquiry.
Mr. Rabuka clarified that the COI aims not to target Ms. Malimali personally, but rather to investigate 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 explained.
Amidst the increasing pressure for accountability from various political factions, including the Opposition, which demands thorough explanations regarding Ms. Malimali’s appointment, the Prime Minister remains firm on the necessity of the inquiry for achieving transparency within the governance framework.
This context reveals the gravity of the inquiry, which is seen as an essential step towards rebuilding public trust in Fiji’s institutions. The commitment to honest governance and the pursuit of justice are positive indicators that the government is willing to confront difficult issues head-on. Such efforts could pave the way for a stronger, more transparent political environment in Fiji, reinforcing the importance of integrity in public offices.
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