Usamate Criticises Malimali’s Appointment as FICAC Commissioner
He said the notion of transparency and accountability seemed to have just been cast aside, adding that principles of good governance appeared to have been disregarded.
Friday 13 September 2024 | 10:51
The appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) feels all wrong, and just inappropriate.
That’s how Senior Opposition Member of Parliament Jone Usamate labelled FICAC’s top job reshuffle. Mr Usamate said he had nothing against Ms Malimali personally, but supported the appointments of women in important and critical positions.
He said the notion of transparency and accountability seemed to have just been cast aside, adding that principles of good governance appeared to have been disregarded.
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“I understand that when the Constitutional Offices Commission (COC) makes appointments, it relies on an independent team to carefully review applications, to ensure that the best, fit and proper candidates are selected,” Mr Usamate said.
“Here is the question then. Did the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) engage such a team for this hiring process?
“It is the JSC’s duty to maintain public confidence in independent institutions, even if it means going against their own interests. Ms Malimali could be well-qualified, as evidenced by Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo stating she earned the highest score of 141.”
Due diligence
Mr Usamate questioned whether the Office of the President conducted its due diligence to confirm Ms Malimali’s suitability for the position.
He said Ms Malimali had been under investigation and this should have prompted both the JSC and the President’s Office, to delay her appointment.
“Has the COC, which appointed her as chair of the Electoral Commission, received her resignation letter? Has she served out the period for which she is to my mind required to give notice of her intention to resign?
“And critically, the public deserves to know who instructed then Acting Deputy Commissioner Francis Puleiwai not to pursue formal charges against Biman Prasad.
“This represents a serious abuse of office, and an independent investigation, potentially led by the Police, must be conducted immediately.”
Mr Usamate said Fiji must never forget that good governance must be the foundation of a strong and effective government.
“In today’s (yesterday) Fiji Sun, the Minister of Justice refers to investigations of Cabinet Ministers as “acts of malice”
“What? Are there classes of people in this country who cannot be investigated? Are all animals equal? Or was George Orwell right in saying that there are some who are more equal than others? What?”
Feedback: jone.salusalu@fijisun.com.fj
