An urgent meeting between Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and the Commission of Inquiry (COI) is expected as the inquiry nears its conclusion. COI Counsel Assisting, Janet Mason, underscored the urgency of this meeting to address the controversial appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
On Thursday, the COI formally contacted Mr. Rabuka via email to arrange a discussion regarding the concerns surrounding Malimali’s appointment and its implications for integrity. Established in October, the COI is tasked with determining if the process of appointment adhered to standards of integrity, fairness, and transparency. Mason noted that a recent legal opinion and a review by Professor Philip Joseph KC have been sent to both the Prime Minister and the President, focusing on the legal provisions regarding the appointment, dismissal, and suspension of FICAC commissioners. These topics are expected to be central to the upcoming meeting with the Prime Minister.
As the COI approaches the conclusion of its eighth week, which was initially planned to last for only two weeks, its findings could usher in significant reforms designed to enhance government accountability and transparency in Fiji.
Mason also highlighted the ongoing discussions about potential conflicts of interest that could undermine public trust in FICAC, particularly as the inquiry seeks to uncover any irregularities surrounding Malimali’s appointment. With the last witness yet to testify and mounting public interest, there is hope that this inquiry will bring about necessary reforms to elevate ethical standards in Fiji’s public service.
This inquiry serves as a pivotal opportunity for fostering positive change within the nation’s governance framework. As the inquiry draws to a close, there remains a strong sense of optimism that it could lead to a more accountable and transparent political environment in Fiji.
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