The Judicial Services Commission (JSC) has announced its intention to engage with key stakeholders in the wake of a High Court ruling that declared the revocation of Barbara Malimali’s role as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) unlawful.
In a statement released today, the JSC pointed to the findings of Justice Dane Tuiqereqere, who ruled that the Prime Minister’s advice and the President’s decision on June 2, 2025, to revoke Malimali’s appointment were illegal and exceeded their authority. Despite this ruling, the court opted not to reinstate Malimali as Commissioner, clarifying that the matter now falls within the constitutional responsibility of the JSC.
The court did not grant any damages to Malimali, noting that any financial losses she may have suffered depend on the future decisions of the JSC regarding her status after the June ruling.
In light of these developments, the JSC decided during its recent meeting to invite Malimali, her legal team, the Solicitor-General representing the state, and attorneys for the Prime Minister to contribute their insights on complying with the High Court’s directives. Following this dialogue, the Commission plans to formulate independent recommendations to the President based on the court’s ruling.
The JSC is committed to resolving all matters concerning Malimali’s position as FICAC Commissioner swiftly, with a goal of finalizing decisions by March 31, 2026. This proactive approach underscores the Commission’s commitment to a fair and comprehensive review of the situation surrounding Malimali’s appointment, aiming to uphold justice and integrity within the governing bodies of Fiji.