Counsel assisting the Malimali Commission of Inquiry (COI), Janet Mason, has indicated she has not thoroughly examined the “leaked” contents of the COI report circulating online. However, from her initial observations, it appears to align with the final version submitted by the COI. Mason stated she lacks the time to investigate the material circulating on social media in detail.
She speculates that the leak may have originated from someone possessing a hard copy of the report, as the COI is no longer involved in its distribution, leaving control in the hands of various Fiji Government agencies. Mason elaborated that the report could have been scanned or photographed before being disseminated online, adding that tracing the leak’s origin would likely be challenging.
Expressing her disappointment over the leak, she noted that the intended decision regarding the public release of the report rests with the President, guided by the Prime Minister. She emphasized the confidentiality surrounding the document, suggesting that those who received it were presumably instructed against disclosing its contents. The leak raises serious concerns under Section 202 of the Crimes Act 2009, which pertains to disobeying lawful orders issued by public officials.
Related to this situation, pressure for the report’s public release has intensified, especially in light of its implications regarding the appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). Calls from the public and political figures indicate a strong desire for transparency, underscoring the importance of the report’s findings for potential governance reforms.
As events unfold, there remains a collective hope that this inquiry will lead to meaningful change and improved ethical standards within Fiji’s political framework. The current discourse presents an opportunity for stakeholders to advocate for greater accountability, potentially restoring public trust in government institutions over time.
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