The Judicial Services Commission, chaired by Chief Justice Salesi Temo, is meeting now with sacked FICAC Commissioner, Barbara Malimali, her lawyer Tanya Waqanika, and lawyers for the Prime Minister and the Attorney General's Chambers after the High Court ruling that the advice of the Prime Minister and the decision of the President to revoke Malimali’s appointment as Commissioner of FICAC was unlawful.
The Commission met briefly in a separate meeting room before meeting the counsel.
The meeting with Malimali, Waqanika, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka's counsel Simione Valenitabua and Solicitor General Ropate Green who is representing the Attorney General's Chambers began at about 3.30pm and continues.
High Court Judge, Justice Dane Tuiqereqere's ruling, it has been stated that the Judicial Services Commission is the body that provides the recommendation to the President regarding the appointment or dismissal of the FICAC Commissioner, not the Prime Minister.
Justice Tuiqereqere also said he is not prepared to make any order reinstating Malimali to the position of Commissioner as the JSC will need to consider and decide upon the matter along with the appointment of Lavi Rokoika as Acting FICAC Commissioner.
The JSC did not recommend the dismissal of Malimali and also did not recommend the appointment of Rokoika as Acting Commissioner.
The JSC, following their last meeting regarding the issue had resolved to provide a closure of the matters relating to Malimali's appointment as FICAC Commissioner on or before March 31st.
Stay with us for developments.
