The Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) commenced yesterday with closed-door proceedings, preventing media access. Senior legal counsel Janet Mason addressed the confidentiality of the inquiry, citing ongoing criminal investigations involving several witnesses as the primary reason.
Mason stated that the inquiry aims to address the “lawfulness” of Malimali’s appointment, emphasizing the importance of scrutinizing all individuals involved in that process. However, she clarified that the findings of the COI would not be immediately released to the public, as the final report will be submitted to the President who will determine its accessibility.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka was the first witness to testify at the commission. He described the inquiry as crucial for uncovering the truth and noted that he had anticipated a challenging process. He remarked that the questions posed were straightforward, derived from his own affidavit.
In attendance as an observer, Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu expressed his support for the inquiry, underscoring the necessity of transparency in governance. Justice David E. Ashton Lewis, an Australian jurist and Judge of the Fiji Supreme Court, characterized the initial proceedings as positive and commended the Prime Minister’s cooperation.
The inquiry will proceed with additional witnesses expected to provide testimony in the forthcoming days, indicating a commitment to thorough examination and accountability.
This inquiry represents an important step towards ensuring integrity within the FICAC and enhancing public confidence in governance. As the proceedings unfold, there is hope that they will yield valuable insights and reaffirm the rule of law in Fiji.
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