Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is evaluating his options following a recent High Court ruling concerning Barbara Malimali, the former Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). Information Minister Lynda Tabuya addressed the media after a Cabinet meeting, outlining the situation surrounding the court’s decision.
The High Court’s ruling declined to reinstate Malimali to her former position and also rejected her requests for both general and special damages. Instead, the court referred these matters to the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) for further deliberation. Minister Tabuya confirmed that Prime Minister Rabuka is currently assessing the implications of the judgment, including the possibility of appealing the decision.
Under Fiji’s judicial framework, there is an option for a citizen to appeal a High Court ruling to the Fiji Court of Appeal and potentially to the Supreme Court afterward. Tabuya indicated that this pathway remains open for the Prime Minister, should he choose to move forward with an appeal.
She emphasized the importance of the JSC’s independent operations, noting that any directives or determinations from the Commission would be taken into account by the Prime Minister when assessing the next steps. The government has a period of 41 days to file an appeal, and the outcomes of the JSC’s discussions may ultimately influence whether the Prime Minister decides to pursue this route.
This unfolding situation underscores the delicate balance within Fiji’s legal and political arenas, where decisions have far-reaching implications. The outcome of the JSC’s review will likely set the course for Malimali’s future and could also reflect on the Government’s stance in addressing anti-corruption efforts within the country.
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