Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka underwent a rigorous two-hour interrogation at the Commission of Inquiry (COI) concerning the contentious appointment of Barbara Malimali as the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). This inquiry, taking place at the old parliament complex in Veiuto, Suva, also sees Mr. Rabuka serving as the chairperson of the Constitutional Office Commission (COC).
The COI is set to last for two weeks and remains closed to the public and media, involving testimony from 35 pivotal witnesses. Justice David Ashton-Lewis, a respected Australian jurist and current Supreme Court judge, leads the commission appointed last October to investigate Malimali’s September 5, 2024, appointment. He is supported by senior barrister Janet Mason in the role of Counsel Assisting.
The aim of the COI is to scrutinize the possibility of improper or unlawful influences surrounding Malimali’s appointment. It will particularly investigate if any vested interests, especially those tied to ongoing FICAC investigations of notable figures such as MPs and senior public servants, compromised the appointment process.
Mr. Rabuka reflected on the inquiry, acknowledging its challenging nature but asserting the need for thorough examination. He stated, “I expected it to be tough because we need to get to the bottom of it; and I just played my part.” Justice Ashton-Lewis characterized the initial session as “positive,” commending Rabuka’s engagement and indicating that the inquiry will resume until January 16, with 34 witnesses scheduled to provide testimony.
Echoing this sentiment, Ms. Mason expressed her contentment with the progress made thus far, citing a thorough review of information in preparation for the inquiry.
The Opposition is resolute in its pursuit of clarity regarding the appointment, with its leader, Inia Seruiratu, set to provide testimony in hopes of uncovering the truth behind the process. Attorney-General Graham Leung, who supported Malimali’s appointment, is also expected to testify soon, reaffirming the inquiry’s independence.
This inquiry represents a crucial step towards transparency in governance and will shed light on the integrity of public appointments in Fiji. Such efforts are essential for restoring public trust and ensuring that the mechanisms for selecting key officials are free from undue influence.
As the hearings progress, it is a hopeful sign that Fiji is actively working towards accountability and transparency, reinforcing democratic values within its institutions.
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