The final report from the Commission of Inquiry into the appointment of FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali is now expected to be delivered next week.
Counsel assisting the inquiry Janet Mason confirmed the commission had requested additional time to finalise the report, with the new deadline set for Wednesday, April 23.
“We are running a little behind and have sought a short extension of a week until 23 April, given that the 18th is Easter Friday,” Ms Mason said.
“I will be back in Suva that week after Easter to brief the prime minister and president.”
The report will be submitted to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.
However, the decision on whether the report will be made public rests entirely with the president.
“He has not stated that it will not be made public,”Ms Mason said.
“I understand he will not be making any decisions until he has received and had time to consider the report.”
Ms Mason said the commission focused on finalising the report in recent weeks and had not been in regular contact with the prime minister during this period.
However, she confirmed that additional questions had recently been submitted to Mr Rabuka relating to evidence reviewed during the inquiry.
“We are not able to disclose anything about the recommendations at this time.
“The report needs to go to the president and the prime minister first, and they will make decisions about the next steps, including public disclosure.”
