Janet Mason, the legal counsel involved in the Commission of Inquiry (COI) concerning the appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), is set to face a three-month suspension from practicing law in New Zealand, effective July 11, 2025. This suspension follows a finding of misconduct by the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal, which cited Mason’s failure to complete a required civil litigation course.
The disciplinary measures arise amid ongoing scrutiny into the integrity of the appointment process for Malimali, with the inquiry being pivotal for ensuring fairness and transparency in Fijian governance. Mason has previously claimed that the disciplinary actions are attempts to sideline her from the inquiry, an assertion that underscores the politically charged atmosphere surrounding both her legal challenges and the inquiry’s purpose.
In 2020, Mason was initially suspended for three months due to breaches of the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act, though an appeal reduced this to a one-month suspension. Despite the complications, she expressed her commitment to the inquiry and her desire to clear her name, as she believes the current allegations should not diminish her contributions or the inquiry’s integrity.
There is cautious optimism that the ongoing inquiry could lead to much-needed governance reforms in Fiji. Stakeholders view this situation as an opportunity to reinforce ethical standards and rebuild public trust in legal and governmental institutions in Fiji. The hope is that through such inquiries, accountability will enhance the integrity of Fiji’s political landscape and serve as a model for transparent governance in the future.
Leave a comment