Former President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere is anticipated to provide testimony in the ongoing Commission of Inquiry (COI) examining the appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). Other notable figures set to take the stand include Attorney-General Graham Leung, Chief Justice Salesi Temo, Chief Registrar Tomasi Bainivalu, Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Nancy Tikoisuva, Deputy DPP John Rabuku, Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew, and Members of Parliament Kalivati Ravu and Semi Koroilavesau. Additionally, Australian National Alex Forwood, who filed a complaint, and former Official Secretary Kiti Temo are being summoned.

The inquiry focuses on evaluating whether Malimali’s appointment process, which occurred in September of the previous year, was conducted in line with legal standards and free from improper or unlawful influences. Led by Supreme Court Judge Justice David Aston-Lewis, the COI is set to investigate any potential vested interests that could have affected the selection, especially related to ongoing FICAC cases involving high-profile figures.

Suva lawyer Tanya Waqanika is representing Malimali during these proceedings. The Commission plans to submit its final report to the President and the Prime Minister later this month, with the hearings continuing this morning.

This inquiry marks an important initiative towards fostering accountability and transparency within Fiji’s governance. By scrutinizing the processes behind such appointments, the COI aims to uphold the integrity of public institutions and reinforce public confidence in the justice system. The ongoing proceedings could pave the way for much-needed reforms, emphasizing the essential principles of transparency and fairness in public service, which bodes well for the future governance of Fiji.

In summary, the Commission of Inquiry is critically assessing the legal integrity of FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali’s appointment amid a backdrop of significant testimonies from key government figures, highlighting the foundational ideals of accountability in governance.