The High Court in Suva has ruled that the termination of Barbara Malimali from her role as the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) was illegal. Justice Dane Tuiqereqere found that the Prime Minister did not have the legal power to advise the President to revoke her appointment.
Malimali was dismissed in June of last year amidst claims about her selection process for the position, issues that were raised in a Commission of Inquiry report. This court ruling signifies a critical moment in the ongoing dialogue about governance and the standards of conduct expected from officials in positions of power.
The verdict has wide-ranging implications for the integrity of appointments within government entities and emphasizes the necessity of following established legal procedures. As this situation continues to develop, further updates are anticipated, highlighting the importance of lawful governance practices.