Janet Mason, the legal counsel for the Commission of Inquiry (COI) investigating the appointment of former FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali, has voiced her frustration regarding the lack of substantive debate about the issues at hand. This statement comes in response to renewed scrutiny surrounding her legal history following a ruling from a New Zealand tribunal that denied her renewal as a sole practitioner back in 2015.
The tribunal found that Mason’s former law firm, Pacific Law Ltd., was placed into liquidation because of significant unpaid Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Pay As You Earn (PAYE) obligations totaling around NZ$365,000. The tribunal noted that this represented a serious failure to meet tax obligations that a sole practitioner should manage diligently. At the time, Mason attributed these financial struggles to common challenges faced by small firms, such as cash flow issues and delayed client payments. She maintained that there was no dishonesty involved, asserting that the liquidation was a business decision rather than an indication of professional misconduct.
Despite the tribunal’s ruling, Mason was not prohibited from practicing law and subsequently obtained a practicing certificate in Fiji. She stated that she has consistently practiced law since receiving this certificate and criticized efforts to distract from the commission’s findings with personal attacks.
Additionally, Mason’s situation is further complicated by allegations raised by the Fiji Law Society, urging her to temporarily step aside from her role in the COI. They expressed concern that her continued involvement might undermine public confidence in the inquiry’s integrity due to her professional conduct history, including a recent disciplinary ruling leading to a three-month suspension from practicing law in New Zealand. Mason, however, has expressed her resolve to continue her work, highlighting her commitment to the inquiry and the legal profession.
These developments indicate a critical moment for enhancing accountability and transparency within Fiji’s governance practices. Stakeholders are hopeful that this inquiry can not only address the specific allegations surrounding Malimali’s appointment but also catalyze significant reforms that reinforce the importance of ethical governance and public trust in institutions.
In summary, while the inquiry and Mason’s role continue to face challenges, there exists a collective optimism that these proceedings will lead to substantial improvements in governance standards across Fiji’s political and legal landscape.
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