The report into the legality of Barbara Malimali’s appointment as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) will now be submitted by April 23, after the Commission of Inquiry (COI) requested a short extension from its earlier April 11 deadline.
Senior counsel assisting the inquiry, Janet Mason, confirmed the delay, citing the Easter long weekend and the need to allow the country’s top leaders to review the report.
“We are running a little behind and require a short extension of a week until 23 April, given that the 18th is Easter Friday,” she said.
Mason added that the report would be presented to the President and the Prime Minister.
“We will need the permission of the President and PM re publication and re speaking to the press… until they have had time to read and digest the contents of the report, and time to be briefed by us,” she said.
The inquiry was set up in October 2024 to examine whether Malimali’s September 5 appointment as FICAC Commissioner was conducted “with integrity, fairness, and transparency, in accordance with the law.”
Originally scheduled for completion in January, the timeline was revised to April 11 due to extended hearings.
Mason had previously insisted that the report would meet the April 11 deadline, despite facing a three-month suspension from practicing law in New Zealand for failing to complete a mandated civil litigation skills course. That suspension was to take effect the same day the report was due.
However, Mason has since secured a stay on the suspension from the New Zealand High Court.
“There will be no suspension. I was successful in my application to the NZ High Court for a stay,” she confirmed, allowing her to continue in her role for the inquiry.
Related Articles:
April 11 Deadline for Fiji’s COI Report as Mason Vows to Appeal Suspension
Mason Denies Perception of Pre-Determined Outcome Amid Calls for Suspension
“Unlawful” Recording Led to Dismissal of FICAC Officer
COI Asserts JSC Power To Suspend or Dismiss FICAC Commissioner, Cites Interpretation Act
COI Recommends Fiji FICAC Boss’ Suspension; Rabuka Confirms Receipt
FICAC Boss Declines to Comment on Dismissal of Investigations Manager as COI continues
Chief Registrar Apologises to Mason after Finding Complete Amended Application
Fiji Law Society Council Calls for Janet Mason to Step Aside from COI
Mason’s Disciplinary Record Not Reviewed; Will Not Undermine Credibility of Fiji COI: Rabuka
Stand-off between Chief Registrar and Janet Mason escalates with Police Complaint
Chief Registrar seeks clarification from FICAC Inquiry legal counsel Janet Mason
Senior barrister in FICAC Commission of Inquiry facing discipline penalty in NZ
Commission of Inquiry Seeks February Extension Amid Slow Witness Progress
Lawyers Directed to Focus as Inquiry into Barbara Malimali’s FICAC Appointment Continues
Commission of Inquiry Established to Look into FICAC Commissioner Appointment Process
