Opposition MP, Premila Kumar says the announcement of Electoral Commission Chairperson, Barbara Malimali as FICAC Commissioner comes as a shock to many, especially considering the news that FICAC had just searched the Electoral Commission Office and seized documents related to abuse of office allegations against Malimali.
Kumar says they demand that the Chair of the Judicial Services Commission, Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo provide a full explanation of how this decision was made and why it appears that due diligence was not exercised in this critical appointment.
She says it is both astonishing and unethical that the Judicial Services Commission has confirmed the appointment of a person who is currently under investigation by the very organization she is now set to lead.
She asks whether the JSC was unaware of these ongoing investigations or did they choose to ignore it.
Kumar says this decision raises serious concerns about the integrity and credibility of the appointment process.
She asks how can the public have confidence in FICAC’s ability to carry out its mandate impartially when its head is embroiled in such serious allegations.
The Opposition MP says the public deserves transparency and accountability, especially from those in positions of power.
Kumar says the people of Fiji deserve better, and it is imperative that those in authority act in the best interest of the nation, ensuring that our institutions are led by individuals of unquestionable integrity.
We have sent questions to Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo and Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka. They are yet to respond.
