Commission of Inquiry sits to probe Malimali’s appointment as FICAC Commissioner

A Commission of Inquiry is currently sitting at the Old Parliament Complex to inquire into the recent appointment of the Commissioner of FICAC, Barbara Malimali.

Malimali is being represented by Suva lawyer Tanya Waqanika.

Senior Australian jurist and current Judge of the Supreme Court of Fiji, Justice David E. Ashton-Lewis is the sole Commissioner.

The Commission of Inquiry will assess and determine whether the appointment process of Malimali was conducted with integrity, fairness, and transparency, in accordance with the law.

The inquiry will also examine whether there were any improper or unlawful influences in the process leading to the appointment of the FICAC Commissioner.

The Terms of Reference of the Commission will also consider whether the process and the appointment of Malimali were unlawfully or improperly influenced by vested interests, including current FICAC cases or investigations involving high-profile individuals, such as Members of Parliament, Ministers, and senior public servants.

Janet Mason, a senior barrister, is the Counsel assisting the Commission.