The head of the Commission of Inquiry (COI), Supreme Court Judge David Ashton-Lewis, expressed that it is too early to determine any misconduct related to the appointment of Barbara Malimali as the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). In remarks made to FijiLive, Justice Ashton-Lewis noted the critical importance of gathering complete evidence before reaching any conclusions, stating, “What looks to be quite innocent in the beginning can change when you get all the evidence.”

Counsel Assistant Janet Mason supported this sentiment, indicating that it’s premature for the COI to arrive at any decisions, emphasizing that doing so now could lead to accusations of bias. She highlighted that the inquiry is focused on assessing the integrity of state institutions like FICAC, particularly against the backdrop of ongoing concerns about political interference.

The investigation is specifically scrutinizing whether Malimali’s appointment, which took place in September 2024, followed proper legal procedures and whether it was influenced by any improper or unlawful actions, particularly involving vested interests from ongoing FICAC cases linked to high-profile individuals such as politicians and senior public servants.

As of the latest updates, among the 35 witnesses called, seven have already taken the stand, including significant figures like the Acting Director of Public Prosecutions. The inquiry process, due to conclude with a report to the President and Prime Minister by the end of January 2025, serves as a critical opportunity to enhance accountability and transparency within Fiji’s governance.

This inquiry reflects a hopeful commitment to ethical governance, with optimism surrounding potential reforms that may strengthen public trust in the political system. As it continues, the proceedings promise to uphold the principles of integrity in public office appointments, fostering a climate of accountability and fostering greater public engagement in governance processes.

In summary, the ongoing inquiry into Barbara Malimali’s appointment is a significant step towards ensuring transparent and fair governance in Fiji, with the potential to reinforce the integrity of institutions like FICAC going forward.