THE Judicial Services Commission (JSC) has broken its silence on the drama that has engulfed two independent office holders.
However, a statement from Chief Registrar and JSC secretary Tomasi Bainivalu on Wednesday failed to mention the particulars of how the JSC would resolve existing issues with Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Christopher Pryde and Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner, Barbara Malimali.
He said the JSC met on February 4 to discuss and deliberate on issues “pertinent to the efficient delivery of essential services to the Fijian judiciary and to our people”.
Mr Bainivalu said the JSC acknowledged it had received a letter dated January 31, 2025, from Mr Pryde.
“The JSC will be responding to that letter and the contents therein. The JSC reaffirms that the process of natural justice must always be afforded to persons against whom allegations have been raised.”
He said following Mr Pryde’s response, the JSC would reconvene to deliberate further and follow processes set out in the Constitution.
Mr Bainivalu said the JSC had responsibly responded to the letter from the Commission of Inquiry (COI) on the matter of Ms Malimali.
“The JSC remains steadfast in upholding the rule of law, fairness, justice and ensuring the continued functionality of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and serving the people of Fiji with integrity and accountability.”
Mr Pryde remains on leave as fresh allegations were brought against him last month, days before he was expected to resume office following his exoneration of earlier allegations.
In addition, the Commission of Inquiry looking into the appointment of Ms Malimali had requested her suspension after she terminated a key FICAC witness slated to appear before the COI’s hearing process.
Meanwhile, when queried by the media yesterday if the COI had received a response from the JSC, senior counsel Janet Mason said she had not received it yet.
