Home Affairs and Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua has clarified that his recent meeting with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka did not address the termination of former FICAC Commissioner Barbra Malimali. Following a Cabinet meeting, Tikoduadua emphasized to the press that there was no connection between their discussions and the announcement regarding Malimali’s dismissal.
“The meeting did not touch upon that subject at all,” Tikoduadua stated. He confirmed that they primarily discussed a letter concerning the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, which is relevant to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the Commission of Inquiry investigating issues linked to Malimali.
This change in leadership at FICAC has raised questions regarding governance and transparency within Fiji’s political landscape. The Prime Minister may have briefly mentioned the Commission of Inquiry report during their meeting, but Tikoduadua refrained from discussing its contents, noting that he will provide further comments in due time.
Kalouniwai had earlier expressed concerns over the government’s decision to withhold the Commission of Inquiry report, suggesting the need for transparency in handling allegations of misconduct. He submitted a letter to Tikoduadua which is currently under review.
These discussions indicate an evolving political dynamic in Fiji, where the government is facing pressure to ensure accountability and uphold ethical standards in public office. As inquiries continue, there is hope that they may lead to greater transparency and stronger adherence to the rule of law, ultimately rebuilding public trust in Fiji’s institutions. The outcomes of these processes could herald significant improvements in governance, reassuring citizens of the commitment to integrity among their leaders.
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