Chief Justice Salesi Temo was recently seen at the venue of the Commission of Inquiry (COI), which is currently taking place at the Old Parliament Complex in Veiuto, Suva. The inquiry, now on its fourth day, is focused on the contentious appointment of Barbara Malimali as the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). Ms. Malimali took on the role on September 5, 2024.
Political analysts and members of the Opposition have raised concerns regarding the legitimacy of the process that led to Ms. Malimali’s appointment, questioning whether there were any improper or unlawful influences involved.
When approached for comment, Justice Temo noted, “Probably they have changed the schedule, I’ll have to be informed later.” He is set to testify before the COI tomorrow.
The scheduled appearances of the 35 witnesses have not been adhered to strictly, as each witness has been providing in-depth responses during the proceedings.
In summary, the ongoing inquiry emphasizes the importance of transparency and integrity in public appointments, crucial elements for building trust in government institutions. As the investigation progresses, it is hopeful that the outcomes will lead to clearer guidelines and procedures for such appointments, reinforcing accountability in public service.
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