Bula
Two stories make the front page of The Fiji Times for Wednesday, June 4.
Turn to Page 6 for a Q&A: Following the Commission of Inquiry into the appointment of the former FICAC Commissioner, the commission’s legal counsel, Janet Mason’s continued media engagement has drawn both interest and scrutiny. In this Q&A with The Fiji Times’ Samantha Rina, Ms Mason explains her public commentary, motivations, and views on legal ethics, media freedom, and accountability.
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Synopsis
The fallout from the Commission of Inquiry into the appointment of sacked FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali continues to reverberate across Fiji’s political landscape, obviously fuelling an atmosphere of uncertainty!
There is no doubt about the fact that it is attracting attention, and sparking speculation and unease!
What began as an investigation into an appointment has evolved into a political storm.
And the recent turn of events, brimming with controversy and turmoil, has drawn mixed reactions from within government and the masses.
The COI findings, still under scrutiny and not released yet to the public have become fodder for speculation. And conspiracy theorists are having a field day in the absence of a copy of the report!
By yesterday, comments from the Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka added a new layer of uncertainty to the situation.
The future of some Cabinet ministers could hinge on a further probe into the outcomes of the COI report.
Responding to questions after yesterday’s Cabinet meeting in Suva, Mr Rabuka made it clear that the fallout was far from over.
“It depends on the outcomes of subsequent investigations on the findings/recommendations of the CoI,” he said, when asked if some Cabinet Ministers could lose their portfolios.
Mr Rabuka also confirmed the possibility of additional disciplinary measures.
“Not until disciplinary action is mandated by law or conventions after subsequent investigations resulting from the COI are done,” he said.
Mr Rabuka confirmed he had not discussed the issues with his deputy prime ministers.
A postponed meeting with his deputies, he said, had nothing to do with the report.
He also addressed the letter from the RFMF Commander Major General Jone Kalouniwai concerning the COI report.
What we have right now is a political scenario that certainly hasn’t cooled down.
Whether the turn of events leads to drastic action, or a constitutional debate, it is clear that we are going through some intense moments as government figures weigh the implications of the COI’s findings and prepare for what may follow.
In the face of all this, we accept that the consequences emanating from the report are far from over.
With the PM signalling the potential for legal or disciplinary action, we find ourselves at a political crossroads.
Sceptics may even insist that we not be swayed too much by this and forget about other challenges we face as a nation.
However, the next moves from Cabinet, the investigators, and other stakeholders, will be closely watched.
