Maharaj raises serious concern about unauthorized COI report leak

Opposition MPs Alvick Maharaj and Ketan Lal have released strong statements after information emerging from the Commission of Inquiry into the appointment of Barbara Malimali as FICAC Commissioner.

Maharaj says the recent unauthorized leak of the COI report has triggered a sharp rebuke from the Opposition, who today voice grave concerns over the government's capacity to safeguard sensitive national documents.

He says the Opposition assert that the chaotic exposure of the report has shattered public confidence and raises profound questions about the integrity of state institutions under the current administration.

Maharaj says for weeks, the Opposition have consistently called for the full and public release of the COI report, advocating for transparency and accountability in governance.

He says now, we are faced not with a structured release, but a shameful leak that has exposed confidential details, including the names of top officials.

The Opposition argues that this unauthorized disclosure represents a catastrophic loss of confidence in the government's fundamental competence.

Maharaj says if a document of such national importance, detailing sensitive investigations and potentially implicating senior figures, cannot be kept secure, the Opposition questions what guarantee the people of Fiji have for the confidentiality of other vital state secrets from national security matters to private citizen data.

He adds the reputations of individuals, some of whom are 'top brass,' have now been tarnished by an unofficial release, without the benefit of formal process or clarity from the authorities.

Meanwhile Ketan Lal says in light of the serious revelations emerging from the leaked Commission of Inquiry report, it is his firm view that all individuals who have been named and implicated —pending further investigation and due legal processes — must be immediately subjected to Stop Departure orders.

Lal says this is a matter of national integrity and public confidence.

He says we cannot allow individuals who may be under suspicion in such a high-profile matter to flee the country or interfere with ongoing investigations.

The Opposition MP says ensuring their availability to law enforcement authorities is a minimum safeguard in upholding the rule of law.