Following yesterday’s meeting of all parties in the High Court order issued under case HBJ 05 of 2025 by Justice Dane Tuiqeregere, the Judicial Services Commission is moving closer to ruling on the high-profile matter linked to the removal of former Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption commissioner Barbara Malimali.
Members of the JSC, former FICAC commissioner Barbara Malimali, her lawyer Tanya Waqanika, and the Prime Minister’s legal representative Simione Valenitabua have agreed to meet again on March 25 before a final decision is made.
When asked following yesterday’s meeting, Ms Malimali replied: “It was very good”.
JSC Secretary Tomasi Bainivalu said the meeting focused on hearing views from all sides following the High Court directive. He said the commission remained focused on ensuring decisions were made independently and lawfully.
According to a statement issued by the JSC, it will make a decision on or before March 31.
The High Court ruling at the centre of the case found that the removal of Ms Malimali as FICAC commissioner was unlawful, ruling the Prime Minister did not have constitutional authority to advise the President to revoke her appointment.
The court reinforced that only the JSC has the constitutional mandate to advise the President on the appointment, suspension or removal of a FICAC commissioner.
The ruling followed Ms Malimali’s judicial review challenge after she was removed from office in June 2025 following a Commission of Inquiry into her appointment.
