THE Government is facing fresh pressure over the handling of the taxpayerfunded Commission of Inquiry into the appointment of Barbara Malimali, with the Leader of the Opposition warning that transparency and accountability are being undermined.
Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu yesterday expressed “deep disappointment and grave concern” over the State’s handling of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the appointment of Ms Malimali as Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption commissioner, following recent developments in
the High Court.
He said the COI was established by the Government at the direction of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and was presented as a public-interest exercise aimed at restoring confidence in key state institutions.
“It was advanced as a serious exercise in transparency and accountability,” Mr Seruiratu said.
He said it was now “alarming” that the State appeared prepared to retreat from that position by entering into a settlement that undermined the very purpose for which the COI was established.
Mr Seruiratu said that of equal concern was the State’s indication that some terms of any settlement with the Judicial Services Commission would be kept confidential.
“This Commission of Inquiry was funded by the taxpayers of Fiji, conducted for the benefit of the public and justified on the basis that the public had a right to know the truth.
“It is wholly unacceptable that public funds may now be used to settle proceedings on terms that will never be disclosed to the Fijian people.”
He said the State’s apparent willingness to settle, coupled with its insistence on confidentiality, reflected “weak and indecisive leadership at the highest level”.
“Rather than allowing the legal and accountability processes it initiated to reach their proper conclusion, the Prime Minister’s Government appears to be prioritising political expediency over principle.
“Transparency cannot be selective, and accountability cannot be negotiated behind closed doors.”
Mr Seruiratu called on the Prime Minister to ensure all settlement terms arising from the COI were fully disclosed and to recommit the Government to openness, integrity and accountability.
Questions sent to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Attorney- General Siromi Turaga remained unanswered when this issue went to press last night.
