Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka has directed that an appeal be lodged following today’s ruling of the High Court in relation to the dismissal of former Commissioner of FICAC, Barbara Malimali.
Rabuka says the Court’s decision to grant leave for a judicial review challenging the validity of the Commission of Inquiry has been noted, and the Government will take the necessary steps to respond through the appropriate legal processes.
He says he is encouraged that today’s proceedings reaffirm that democracy in Fiji remains strong, that the separation of powers is respected, and that there is no interference by the Executive in the work of the Judiciary.
Rabuka says the rule of law remains paramount, and Government will continue to uphold constitutional processes and respect the independence of our institutions.
High Court Judge, Justice Dane Tuiqereqere has ruled that the dismissal of Barbara Malimali as FICAC Commissioner was unlawful.
Justice Tuiqereqere has ruled that the President appoints the Commissioner on the advice of the Judicial Services Commission, and that Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka did not have the authority to dismiss Malimali.
