The recent remarks from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance & National Planning, Professor Biman Prasad, have refocused attention on the ongoing Commission of Inquiry into the appointment of FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali. During a media briefing in Suva, he stated that any inquiries regarding the release of the inquiry results should be directed to President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, as it was initiated at the President’s discretion.
Prof Prasad reiterated that the inquiry’s outcomes are currently with the President, who has the authority to determine their future disclosure. He challenged claims made by Fiji Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry that the inquiry had cost taxpayers more than $2 million, expressing uncertainty about the origins of such figures.
He further defended Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s position, clarifying that the Prime Minister’s hands are tied regarding the report’s potential release, as it is not mandated under the Commission of Inquiry Act. “If the Prime Minister advises the President not to release the report, he must have a very good reason,” Prof Prasad noted, suggesting that such actions are taken in the national interest.
Moreover, Prof Prasad criticized the media for not posing similar questions about transparency to previous administrations, indicating that the inquiry not only addresses Malimali’s appointment but also broader governance issues that have persisted in Fiji’s political landscape.
The inquiry has sparked significant interest and debate, with calls for transparency highlighting the citizens’ desire for accountability from their government. While the current decision to withhold the report may excite frustration, it is hopeful that this process could ultimately pave the way for vital reforms aimed at enhancing governance and restoring public trust.
The inquiry is viewed as a necessary step toward ensuring ethical standards in public serving, and it underlines a commitment to address any irregularities in high-level appointments. Such measures may cultivate a political environment that emphasizes accountability and transparency, reflecting a hopeful future for governance in Fiji.
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