Former President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere is set to testify in the ongoing Commission of Inquiry (COI) investigating the appointment of Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner Barbara Malimali. A number of other significant figures, including 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, are also expected to take the stand.
The COI aims to evaluate whether Malimali’s appointment process, carried out in September of last year, adhered to legal standards and was free from improper influences. Justice David Aston-Lewis of the Supreme Court is leading the inquiry, which will investigate potential unlawful pressures and any vested interests that may have influenced the selection, particularly concerning ongoing FICAC cases involving high-profile individuals.
Representing Malimali in this inquiry is Suva lawyer Tanya Waqanika. The commission’s final report is anticipated to be delivered to both the President and the Prime Minister later this month, following hearings that are scheduled to continue.
This inquiry represents a significant effort toward establishing accountability and transparency within Fiji’s governance structures. By scrutinizing the appointment process of officials like Malimali, the COI not only seeks to uphold integrity within public institutions but also aims to reinforce public confidence in the justice system of Fiji. The outcomes of this investigation have the potential to lead to essential reforms in government processes, promoting a future where integrity and transparency are at the forefront of public service.
Summary: The ongoing Commission of Inquiry investigates the appointment of FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali, with key figures set to testify. Led by Justice Aston-Lewis, the inquiry seeks to uncover any improper influences involved in the process. A report is expected by month-end, underscoring the importance of accountability in governance.
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