Following a meeting with the Judicial Services Commission, chaired by Chief Justice Salesi Temo, the counsel of sacked FICAC Commissioner, Barbara Malimali, Tanya Waqanika says they are happy with the discussion while Chief Registrar Tomasi Bainivalu says if was a great meeting.
When questioned further on the outcome by fijivillage News, Waqanika says it is the rule of law.
Bainivalu was also pleased with the meeting.
INSERT: Bainivalu on meeting 18 feb
The meeting began at 3.30pm and concluded at almost 6.30pm.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka's counsel Simione Valenitabua and Solicitor General Ropate Green who were also in the meeting, did not comment.
They met following 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.
In a statement, the JSC says the purpose of the meeting today was to consider their views on the orders of the High Court.
They say at the conclusion of the meeting today, all parties have agreed to meet again on March 25th.
The JSC will then make its decision on or by 31st March 2026.
They add the JSC is committed to uphold the rule of law, maintain independence and integrity in its decision making processes.
High Court Judge, Justice Dane Tuiqereqere's ruled 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.
