Pressure is mounting on the government of Fiji to release the long-awaited report from the Commission of Inquiry (COI) regarding the controversial appointment of Barbara Malimali as the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). It has been 16 days since Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and President Naiqama Lalabalavu received the initial report, and the public is increasingly frustrated with the lack of transparency.
Prime Minister Rabuka acknowledged the complexity of the 682-page report, stating, “A lot of reading, a lot of legalese which I have to try and unravel and get legal advice on.” Critics, however, are unconvinced by the government’s delay in releasing the findings. Calls for transparency have intensified across the political spectrum, with leaders like Unity Fiji Party’s Savenaca Narube insisting that the report, funded by taxpayer money, must be made public. “The inquiry was commissioned by the Prime Minister. He has no choice but to recommend to the President to release it,” Narube argued.
Adding to the urgency, Opposition Member of Parliament Premila Kumar emphasized that the protracted delay sends a troubling signal about potential governmental concealments. She stated, “The Prime Minister’s public commitment to transparency is sounding increasingly hollow as weeks go by with no sign of the report being made public.” Independent MP Ketan Lal expressed that the people of Fiji deserve answers and that withholding the report would only deepen public distrust.
On the other hand, Janet Mason, Counsel assisting the Inquiry, has urged the public to exercise patience. She noted that the complexity of the report is noteworthy and both the PM and President need sufficient time to delve into its recommendations. This inquiry, initially anticipated to be straightforward, has unveiled a range of issues, leading to the inquiry exploring matters beyond its original terms of reference.
Justice Ashton-Lewis, the lead Commissioner, emphasized the report’s significance in the context of many witnesses’ testimonies, which may lead to crucial insights about FICAC’s functioning and the integrity of its high-profile appointments. The Commission’s commitment to comprehensive investigation has been laudable, reflecting a shared desire for improved governance standards in Fiji.
As the political pressure continues to escalate, the public and various political leaders await clarity on the report, hoping for a willingness from the government to embrace transparency and accountability. The inquiry’s findings are regarded as critical steps towards building trust in Fiji’s public institutions, which many citizens hope will prompt meaningful reforms. With shared goals for better governance, there remains optimism that this inquiry could pave the way for a renewed commitment to integrity and public service in Fiji.
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