Malimali accepts JSC Chair’s request to take leave

FICAC Commissioner, Barbara Malimali has voluntarily accepted to take leave after Chair of the Judicial Services Commission, Chief Justice Salesi Temo requested her to take leave in order to allow the Commission of Inquiry to proceed without any hindrance.

To avoid any disruptions to the operations of FICAC, the JSC has appointed Lisiate Fotofili as the Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC with effect from yesterday.

Judicial Services Commission Secretary and Chief Registrar, Tomasi Bainivalu says the decision reflects the JSC’s commitments to transparency, good governance and the integrity of the process.

He says this step will allow the Commission of Inquiry to carry out its mandated objective and present its findings to the President without any undue influence or interference.

Bainivalu says the JSC remains committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all processes adhere to the highest standards of accountability and fairness.

He says further updates will be provided as the Commission of Inquiry progresses to its conclusions.

Senior legal counsel of the Commission of Inquiry, Janet Mason had said yesterday that the Commission of Inquiry into Barbara Malimali’s appointment as FICAC Commissioner cannot recall key witnesses unless Malimali steps aside and continuing the inquiry without Malimali’s suspension puts witness testimony and their jobs at risk.

Mason says former FICAC employee and Commission of Inquiry witness Kuliniasi Saumi has already been fired, but she cannot recall the other two FICAC officials as it could put their jobs at risk unless Malimali moves aside.

She also confirms that Malimali met with the Judicial Services Commission on Tuesday at the Chief Justice and Chair of the JSC’s request.

Mason says the inquiry cannot proceed fairly if witnesses fear retaliation.

She adds that any person with common sense would understand that judicial proceedings cannot function properly if witnesses are being interfered with.

Malimali took the stand yesterday.