The Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, has emphasized the necessity for accountability and transparency concerning the Commission of Inquiry (COI) report. During a recent interview, he shared that he has communicated his concerns to the Minister for Defence, Pio Tikoduadua, underlining the importance of public access to the report’s contents. “There is public interest in the report. The public has the right to it,” he stated, reinforcing the military’s call for transparency.
Major General Kalouniwai assured that the military’s position should not invoke public concern, as the RFMF is committed to ensuring Fiji’s security and well-being, as mandated by the 2013 Constitution. Following a meeting with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, he noted that he received the unedited version of the COI report. Minister Tikoduadua also assured the public that military intervention is not taking place, confirming that he is reviewing Kalouniwai’s letter and plans to discuss the military’s concerns with the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Rabuka’s administration has faced scrutiny surrounding the COI report, particularly regarding the appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). Previous discussions have highlighted concerns about the release of the report due to ongoing investigations that could be impacted by public disclosures. The Prime Minister has expressed that any decisions regarding the report will be made with careful consideration of legal implications and ongoing inquiries.
This situation has sparked widespread dialogue in Fiji about governance, accountability, and the need for a transparent political environment. Many citizens and political leaders alike are hopeful that the developments surrounding the COI report will lead to significant reforms and enhance public trust in government operations. The anticipation around the report signifies a pivotal moment for Fiji, as it presents an opportunity to reaffirm commitments to ethical governance and strengthen the relationship between the government and its citizens.
Within this context, the overarching sentiment remains positive, as stakeholders express optimism that essential reforms and a renewed commitment to transparency can emerge from the inquiry’s findings. The government’s ongoing discussions reflect a concerted effort to address challenges within the political framework, fostering a brighter future for Fiji’s governance.
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