Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says he will begin reviewing the 400-page report submitted by the Commission of Inquiry (COI), which examined the legality of Barbara Malimali’s appointment as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
The report—described by Commission Chair Retired Justice David Aston-Lewis as containing “serious” findings and recommendations—was presented yesterday to the Prime Minister and President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.
While the report remains confidential for now, Rabuka confirmed that a decision on whether to release it publicly will rest with the President.
“I make the recommendation to him, and we will act in accordance with what is in the Commission of Inquiry Act,” Rabuka said. “It depends…”
Justice Aston-Lewis believes the report will be made public, but the Prime Minister and President need time to review it.
“The recommendations are serious, the findings are serious, and that’s why it needs to be dealt with properly,” he said.
Originally expected to conclude in January, the commission’s work lasted nine weeks, during which it heard testimony from 35 witnesses.
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