PM files appeal against ruling on Malimali's removal

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has filed a Notice of Appeal against a court ruling that declared his removal of Barbara Malimali unlawful.

On February 2, High Court Judge Justice Dane Tuiqereqere ruled that the dismissal of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) was unlawful, finding that the Prime Minister had no legal authority to advise her removal.

Justice Tuiqereqere ruled that Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka did not have the power to advise the President to revoke Malimali’s appointment.

Notice of appeal

Ms Malimali’s lawyer, Tanya Waqanika, this afternoon confirmed that the notice of appeal was served earlier today.

“I was served an hour ago,” Ms Waqanika said.

The appeal marks a reversal of the Prime Minister’s earlier position, when he had publicly stated he would not challenge the court’s decision.

The Fiji Sun has sent questions to PM's lawyer, Simione Valenitabua.

More developments soon.