The Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) is pleased with the legal advice it has received from its New Zealand King’s Counsel (KC), according to COI Counsel Assisting Janet Mason.

Last week, the COI sought the opinion of the KC on whether the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) had the power to advise the President to suspend Ms Malimali after she terminated the employment of a FICAC employee who was a witness in the inquiry.

The JSC had advised the COI that it did not have the power to do so, according to Ms Mason.

She said that the COI had received the KC’s advice on the issue and expressed satisfaction with the outcome.

However, she noted that the details of the legal opinion would not be disclosed at this stage.

“As a matter of courtesy and respect, we need to present it to the Prime Minister and the President first,” Ms Mason said.

“I will likely provide them with the information tomorrow.”

Ms Mason said she would review the opinion and seek any necessary clarifications from the KC before presenting it to the Government.

Ms Mason also addressed the issue of the costs of the KC’s opinion, emphasising the importance of seeking proper legal advice to ensure all matters are addressed thoroughly.

“You can’t ignore issues and hope they’ll go away. It’s crucial to find solutions,” she said. “There is always a way forward.”

Solicitor-General Ropate Green Logavatu appeared before the inquiry yesterday, and Ms Malimali is expected to testify next.

Ms Mason indicated that she anticipates the inquiry will conclude sometime next week.