Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has called for the public release of the Commission of Inquiry’s report into the appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). In a statement to The Fiji Times, he confirmed that the Commission had been granted an extension beyond Easter to finalize its findings. Rabuka emphasized the importance of transparency in governance, stating that once the inquiry concludes, its results should be accessible to the public.
Although the report is still pending, the Prime Minister urged patience, highlighting that respecting the inquiry’s integrity is crucial. “I don’t wish to pre-empt the Commission’s final report. It would be disrespectful to do so,” he noted. Rabuka stated that he believes the delay has not adversely impacted FICAC’s operations, which continue as normal despite the inquiry’s protracted timeline.
This ongoing inquiry has raised concerns regarding public confidence due to its duration and the number of witnesses involved, with the Commission working to ensure thoroughness in its investigation. The inquiry primarily focuses on the events surrounding Malimali’s nomination and the implications of her past roles within government structures.
The inquiry’s importance lies in its potential to enhance accountability and public trust in Fiji’s governance. As the Commission delves deeper, there is hope that its findings will contribute to vital reforms aimed at strengthening the integrity of public institutions. Through transparency and careful examination of the facts, the inquiry could pave the way for a more reliable and accountable future for governance in Fiji.
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