The Commission of Inquiry into the legitimacy of Barbara Malimali’s appointment as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) is making notable strides, albeit requiring additional time to adhere to its reporting schedule. Chair Justice David E. Ashton-Lewis shared an update, mentioning that the hearings will be extended beyond next week, with sessions scheduled on Saturdays to ensure a thorough and timely investigation.
“We’ve had another productive day, and we’re now down to 29 witnesses,” stated Justice Ashton-Lewis. He acknowledged that the process is taking longer than anticipated and confirmed that the inquiry will continue late into next week. Additionally, he emphasized the goal of completing the inquiry by the end of January.
Justice Ashton-Lewis noted that the cooperation from witnesses has been commendable, contributing to the inquiry’s success. Recently, testimonies were gathered from significant figures such as the Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu, and Ms. Ana Mataiciwa, along with the Secretary of the Electoral Commission.
This inquiry signifies a rigorous commitment to upholding integrity and transparency within Fiji’s institutions. The proactive approach of holding additional sessions illustrates a robust effort to ensure that the inquiry is thorough and comprehensive, reflecting a dedication to accountability.
It’s encouraging to see such engagement and transparency in the process, as it indicates a collective effort by both the commission and witnesses to strengthen governance and public trust in Fiji’s administrative structures.
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