THE nomination of lawyer Tanya Waqanika and former FICAC commissioner Barbara Malimali to a newly-established church committee was questioned yesterday by a church member.
At a meeting yesterday, church lawyer Simione Valenitabua proposed the appointment of Ms Waqanika and Ms Malimali to the six-member committee tasked with reviewing the church’s constitution every 10 years.
Mr Valenitabua suggested both names, along with his and that of Reverend Dr William James Powell, who currently serves at Davuilevu Theological College.
Leba Halofaki, a prominent church member, questioned the proposal of Ms Waqanika and Ms Malimali “given that we all clearly know about the case that is before the High Court”.
“They are involved in cases involving the Government and the church does not want to be judged, given that it already knows what’s happening in the Government,” Ms Halofaki said.
“It’s nothing personal. It’s for the reputation of the church, to make sure that is not compromised.”
Mr Valenitabua replied that Ms Waqanika does not have a case before the court, rather she has simply been representing her client in court.
He also said Ms Malimali was taking the Government to court, and not the other way around, and that no charges have yet been laid against her.
“That case is still before the courts, neither she nor the Government has won yet.”
Divisional superintendents, chief stewards, and circuit ministers attending yesterday’s Bose ko Viti ultimately consented to their appointment, with Reverend Rusiate Tuidrakulu and former church president Reverend Ili Vunisuwai.