The political and institutional fallout from the Commission of Inquiry into Barbara Malimali’s appointment as FICAC Commissioner is escalating!
With the police on standby, the military concerned about interference, and the Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka confirming he’s named in the report, there is pressure on Government transparency.
Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu confirmed he has already instructed the Criminal Investigations Department to prepare for possible action.
We don’t have specific details, however, the proactive move by police reflects the seriousness with which the report is being treated.
With the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai raising concerns over potential interference in the report, Mr Rabuka confirmed he is mentioned and pledged to act on its recommendations.
Ro Jone’s remarks obviously underline the military’s unease about political or procedural manipulation!
He initially wrote a letter to his line minister which we reported, and shared his thoughts in the meeting with the PM yesterday!
In saying that, the PM acknowledged the public interest in the matter and emphasised his government’s commitment to due process and good governance.
Then we have the NGO Coalition on Human Rights demanding the Government release the report to the public in the face of calls for transparency.
Chair Shamima Ali says Fijians have a right to know how their money was spent and what the inquiry uncovered.
In the face of the turn of events yesterday, Mr Rabuka also met with his three Deputy Prime Ministers to discuss the report’s findings, alongside general budget matters.
We know that this meeting was initially scheduled for Tuesday after Cabinet but was postponed due to the Prime Minister’s official commitments in the West that evening.
And former FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali’s legal team is now waiting for a hearing date after she launched a court challenge against her removal.
She filed a judicial review in the Suva High Court on Wednesday, disputing the legality of the President’s decision to revoke her appointment.
As the situation continues to unfold, the Government faces increasing calls to clarify its stance, uphold institutional integrity, and ensure the inquiry’s recommendations are implemented fairly and without delay.
So, again, we say we have interesting days looming. They will be critical in shaping public confidence in both the administration and our governance framework.
We look forward to seeing how things unfold!
