FICAC inquiry report: top elites face major probe
PM Sitiveni Rabuka confirmed the report would not be released to the public.
Saturday 24 May 2025 | 03:00
Suspended Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption, Barbara Malimali, Janet Mason, the senior legal counsel assisting the Commission in the ongoing FICAC inquiry and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
Leon Lord
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s decision not to release the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) report into the appointment of Barbara Malimali as FICAC Commissioner raises fresh questions about potential investigations involving top Government officials.
Counsel assisting the inquiry, Janet Mason, said it was possible the report advised against publication to avoid prejudicing actions recommended in the findings.
“It could well be that acting on the recommendation, that releasing the report will prejudice the actions that need to be taken,” Ms Mason said.
“That could be a reason. But to jump to conclusions and say, just because the report was not released, the Government would not do any thing.”
Ms Mason added there could be risks in making the report public, which the Prime Minister may have considered after reviewing the CoI’s recommendations.
Mr Rabuka confirmed to this masthead that the report would not be released to the public, despite growing calls from Government critics and the public to do so, following his briefing with the President, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, on Thursday.
He said it may still be required by FICAC or the Fiji Police Force.
“I have also indicated to His Excellency that it might be premature to publicise the full report as it may still be required by the Fiji Police Force and or FICAC, in order to avoid prejudicing any ongoing or future investigations,” Mr Rabuka said in an official statement.
It is understood the CoI has recommended that its report be forwarded to relevant authorities for further investigation.
The inquiry scrutinised the appointment process by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and examined allegations of abuse of office involving senior members of Cabinet.
Mr Rabuka said he had submitted his follow-up actions to the President to ensure the CoI’s recommendations are implemented.
Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica has publicly backed Ms Malimali’s appointment, saying he trusted the integrity of the JSC, including Chief Justice Salesi Temo.
“They’ve made the decision that they felt was right for the country and right for what was in front of them,” Mr Kamikamica said.
Feedback: ivamere.nataro@fijisun.com.fj
