Former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has stated that publicly releasing the Commission of Inquiry (COI) report could put an end to ongoing speculations regarding the alleged involvement of nine individuals. He believes that transparency and accountability—especially when taxpayer money is used—are essential rights that the public deserves. “The public wants to know; the nation is quite taken up with this event. The only right thing to do is to make the report public,” he advocated.
COI Chair, Justice David Ashton-Lewis, disclosed during a radio interview that he recommended both Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu act upon the recommendations within the report before its release. The Prime Minister has confirmed that the report will be forwarded to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) and the police for further investigation, emphasizing that the inquiry’s findings must guide governmental actions moving forward.
Rabuka has also indicated that while specific names are included in Chapter 7 of the report, which has been redacted, releasing those could potentially compromise ongoing investigations. He has stated that the final decision on publishing the report lies in the hands of the President, based on the government’s recommendations.
The ongoing debate reflects a growing demand from both the public and political leaders for more transparency regarding the inquiry, which not only addresses Malimali’s appointment but seeks to enhance accountability within Fiji’s governance framework. The current atmosphere of scrutiny underscores a collective desire for improved standards in public governance.
Despite the reluctance to release the report fully at this time, many citizens remain hopeful that the inquiry’s conclusions will pave the way for essential reforms that will restore trust in government institutions and foster a culture of accountability. As discussions continue, the public’s expectation for greater transparency reflects an optimistic outlook for enhanced ethical standards in Fiji’s political environment.
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