Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai was concerned about interference in the Commission of Inquiry report into the appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner FICAC.
This was confirmed by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in an interview with the media outside Government Buildings yesterday, following his meeting with Commander Kalouniwai and Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu.
Mr Rabuka said the meeting also included Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs Pio Tikoduadua.
“In fact, I communicated directly with the Commander after receiving notification of his concerns,” the Prime Minister said.
“He was concerned there could be interference in the report. And the answer to that is – I give them the full report and release the redacted copy.”
He said Chapter 7 contains names of individuals and could not be disclosed.
“According to the recommendation of that report, it’s up to the investigating arms of government to carry those out.
“And if they were not redacted, it could compromise the investigation and jeopardise the positions of those named.”
Mr Rabuka said he cannot release the names in the report.
“Cannot release the names. It’s not part of the recommended release part,” he said.
The Prime Minister said a redacted version of the report would be made public after police conduct their initial investigations.
