Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Nancy Tikoisuva and Deputy DPP John Rabuku are set to testify today before the Commission of Inquiry (COI) examining the appointment of Barbara Malimali as the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). They will be accompanied by former Minister for Forests and Fisheries Kalivati Ravu and Semi Koroilavesau, both of whom have also been summoned to provide their testimonies.
Led by Supreme Court Justice David Aston-Lewis, the COI is focused on determining whether the appointment process for Malimali, which took place in September of last year, was conducted legally and without any improper or unlawful influences. A key part of the inquiry involves scrutinizing potential vested interests, particularly concerning ongoing FICAC investigations involving high-profile individuals, including various Members of Parliament and senior public servants.
Tanya Waqanika, a lawyer based in Suva, is representing Malimali throughout these proceedings. The COI is expected to deliver its final report to both the President and the Prime Minister by the end of January.
This impartial inquiry represents a significant opportunity to enhance accountability and transparency within Fiji’s governance structures. By critically examining the legitimacy of public service appointments, it underscores a commitment to restoring public trust in governmental processes. As the hearings progress, there is a hopeful outlook that the findings will lead to meaningful reforms that prioritize ethical standards in public service, fostering greater integrity in Fiji’s governmental institutions.
In summary, the inquiry aims to assess the influences surrounding Malimali’s appointment, reinforcing the principles of accountability and transparency in governance. The outcomes of the COI could pave the way for essential reforms to enhance public confidence in Fiji’s government.
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