The complainant at the centre of an inquiry into the appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) is expected to testify today, alongside other high-profile figures.
Alex Forwood, who filed the complaint that prompted the investigation, will appear before the Commission of Inquiry, chaired by Supreme Court Justice David Aston-Lewis.
Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Nancy Tikoisuva, Deputy DPP John Rabuku, former Minister for Forests and Fisheries Kalivati Ravu, and Semi Koroilavesau are also scheduled to give evidence on this second last day of the hearings.
The inquiry is assessing whether Malimali’s appointment in September of last year followed legal procedures and whether the process was influenced by improper or unlawful factors. The Commission’s Terms of Reference include investigating potential interference by vested interests linked to ongoing FICAC cases involving Members of Parliament, Ministers, and senior public servants.
Scheduled to appear before the commission on the final day of hearings tomorrow are Deputy Prime Ministers Manoa Kamikamica and Professor Biman Prasad, along with former Minister for Women Lynda Tabua. All three are noted as “MP with a FICAC case” in the COI’s tentative schedule. Other key witnesses include former FICAC Deputy Commissioner George Langman and MP Penioni Ravunawa.
Since the hearings began last Monday, January 6, witnesses have included Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and FICAC investigators.
Suva lawyer Tanya Waqanika is representing Malimali.
The Commission is expected to submit its findings to Fiji’s President and Prime Minister later this month.
