Janet Mason, the legal adviser to the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) regarding 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 due to a disciplinary ruling. This ruling, which comes from the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal, determined that Mason willfully breached professional conduct rules by not completing a mandatory civil litigation course on time. The suspension is scheduled to begin on April 11, 2025, which coincides with the deadline for the CoI’s final report.
Mason has expressed her intention to appeal the tribunal’s decision and plans to seek a stay on the suspension, asserting her belief that the ruling will ultimately be overturned. She has also raised concerns about the potential misuse of this situation by critics aiming to undermine the credibility of the inquiry.
The Fiji Law Society has advised Mason to step away from her role in the inquiry until her legal matters are settled, emphasizing the need to sustain public trust in the integrity of the CoI. They do not call for her complete removal but stress the importance of maintaining high standards of integrity, especially since the inquiry is scrutinizing the legality of Malimali’s appointment.
In light of these developments, Mason claims that there have been attempts to discredit her, even going so far as to file a police report regarding alleged document tampering related to her practicing certificate application. She maintains that her qualifications and ethical standing as a legal practitioner remain strong.
As the inquiry continues, there is hope that these events may pave the way for significant reforms within Fiji’s governance framework. The current situation underscores the critical importance of accountability, transparency, and ethical behavior in public service. Stakeholders believe that the inquiry will not only address the specific allegations against Malimali but also strengthen the commitment to integrity within Fiji’s political environment.
These challenges faced by Mason and the CoI represent crucial opportunities for enhancing governance practices in Fiji. There is optimism that by advancing this inquiry, the nation can cultivate a culture of accountability, ultimately restoring public trust in its institutions.
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