THE people have the right to know — that is the response from the Non-Governmental Organisation Coalition on Human Rights (NGOCHR) to government on the Barbara Malimali Commission of Inquiry (COI) saga.
NGOCHR chairwoman Shamima Ali has urged the government to make public the COI report and allow Fijians to see the outcomes of how taxpayers’ money was utilised.
“It is disappointing to note that so much money, time and resources have already been invested on this long-drawn-out process,” she said.
“There are far more important issues that our nation now needs to focus on.
“The NGOCHR calls on the Coalition Government to remind itself of its purpose in being elected by the people of Fiji.”
Ms Ali said the COI report and subsequent termination of various office holders, and new appointments had been the subject of much attention by the government and media. She called on the government to prioritise the people.
“The NGOCHR strongly urges the government to concentrate on people-centred development and the delivery of their promises to the people of Fiji, which are now long overdue.
“It is critical for a true democratic state to continue to promote trust, curtail corruption and enable good and effective governance. Therefore, the Coalition Government is reminded that good governance, accountability, and transparency must prevail at all times.”
She called on government to be decisive and put an end to the saga “in the most democratic, ethical, accountable, and transparent way possible”.
Members of the NGOCHR comprise the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, Fiji Women’s Rights Movement, Citizens’ Constitutional Forum, femLINKpacific, Social Empowerment and Education Program and Diverse Voices and Action (DIVA) for Equality Fiji, with the Pacific Network on Globalisation as an observer.
