Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has addressed concerns raised by Republic of Fiji Military Forces Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai regarding potential interference in the Commission of Inquiry (COI) report on the appointment of Barbara Malimali, the suspended Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) commissioner. Following a meeting with Deputy Prime Ministers and key officials, Rabuka confirmed that he shared the COI report, including a redacted version, with Kalouniwai.
The Prime Minister indicated that the military and police would conduct their own investigations based on the report’s findings, which could eventually be made public, pending the outcome of these initial inquiries. Chapter 7 of the document contains specific names, leading to parts of the report being redacted to protect the integrity of ongoing investigations.
In previous discussions, Rabuka emphasized that the decision to keep the report confidential aligns with legal considerations and ongoing investigations by FICAC and the police. Although there is significant public pressure for transparency regarding the report’s content, Rabuka reiterated that any releases would be carefully considered to ensure they do not jeopardize ongoing inquiries.
The outcome of these inquiries is hoped to lead to meaningful reforms in governance, enhancing transparency and restoring public trust in governmental operations. The atmosphere surrounding the COI signals a pivotal moment for Fiji, as it strives toward higher ethical standards and accountability within its political landscape. The optimism surrounding these developments suggests a commitment to improved governance practices, ultimately fostering a stronger relationship between the citizens and their leaders as the nation navigates through this critical phase.
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