OPPOSITION Member of Parliament Premila Kumar has questioned why FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali was suspended and not terminated.
In a statement, Mrs Kumar called on Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to reveal whether Ms Malimali’s appointment was found to be improper or lawful.
“I acknowledge the Prime Minister for taking initial action on the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) concerning the appointment of Ms Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of FICAC,” Mrs Kumar said in a statement.
“This action demonstrates a commitment to addressing governance concerns, but several critical questions remain that must be clarified by the Prime Minister without delay and with full transparency.
“The COI’s core task was to assess whether due process and legal requirements were followed in Ms Malimali’s appointment.
“The Prime Minister’s announcement, however, stops short of confirming whether the appointment was found to be improper or unlawful.”
Mrs Kumar also question the Judicial Services Commission’s involvement in Ms Malimali’s appointment.
“Ms Malimali’s appointment was made by the President, on the recommendation of the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), chaired by the Chief Justice (Salesi Temo).
“If the appointment process failed to meet legal or ethical standards, then her appointment should have been revoked.
“Moreover, the accountability must also extend to the JSC, including its chair and members.
“The question must be asked, will the JSC chair and commissioners also be held accountable?”
Mrs Kumar said former acting deputy FICAC Commissioner Lisiate Fotofili’s reappointment as a resident magistrate was ‘deeply problematic’.
“He had resigned from the judiciary to take up a three-year FICAC contract.
“Reinstatement without a formal application and vetting process, especially if his previous post has been filled, raises legal and ethical concerns.”
Questions sent to the Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka on Mrs Kumar’s concerns remained unanswered.
