A leaked document, alleged to be from the long-awaited Commission of Inquiry (COI) report into the controversial appointment of the former FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali, has pointed to interference by several high-ranking legal and government figures.
The document claims Ms Malimali’s appointment was swayed by political and personal interests, citing a group of nine senior officials said to have influenced the process.
“The COI has carefully considered and weighed up all relevant testimonies, affidavits, transcripts, and records presented during this inquiry and has concluded that the events that unfolded immediately following the appointment of (Ms Malimali) cumulatively demonstrate that there were undue influences in her appointment,” the leaked document states.
It alleges individuals including judges, lawyers and senior officials of government were involved in the appointment, with one political figure named as having attempted to influence cases being pursued by the anti-corruption agency.
The document also claims the former Justice Minister’s early push for a new head at the agency was part of an effort to install a preferred candidate.
The document recommends that the former commissioner’s appointment be revoked and her predecessor reinstated.
Ms Malimali was officially removed from office on June 2 and has since applied for a judicial review of the termination.
The Government has yet to officially release the full COI report.
