Ruling on legality of Malimali’s termination next Monday

The High Court in Suva is expected to deliver its ruling this afternoon on whether the President has the authority to terminate Barbara Malimali’s appointment as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption.

Malimali has filed a judicial review against the President of Fiji, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and the Attorney-General’s Office following the termination of her appointment.

Her appointment was revoked on the advice of the Prime Minister after the completion of a commission of inquiry report.

During the hearing last year, Malimali’s lawyer, Tanya Waqanika, argued that Malimali was denied natural justice when the Prime Minister advised the President to revoke her appointment.

Waqanika also told the court that the commission of inquiry report should have been referred to the Judicial Services Commission, after which a tribunal should have been convened to determine and make recommendations to the President on Malimali’s position.

The matter which was due for ruling today has been postponed and will be heard before Justice Dane Tuiqereqere at 9am on Monday, February 2.