Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is currently considering his options in light of a recent High Court ruling pertaining to former Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner Barbara Malimali. Information Minister Lynda Tabuya shared insights during a media briefing following a Cabinet meeting, indicating that the Prime Minister is evaluating the implications of the judgement and the potential for an appeal.
In Fiji’s legal landscape, citizens have the right to challenge High Court decisions by appealing to the Fiji Court of Appeal, with the possibility of further escalation to the Supreme Court. Tabuya confirmed this avenue remains open to the Prime Minister should he decide to take action.
Crucially, the High Court’s ruling did not reinstate Malimali to her previous position or grant any of the damages she sought. Instead, the court referred these matters to the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) for additional evaluation.
Tabuya stated, “At this point, the Prime Minister is looking at the available options, including awaiting the Judicial Services Commission to convene and make its decisions regarding Ms. Malimali moving forward.” She emphasized that the JSC operates independently, and its forthcoming decisions will significantly inform the Prime Minister’s next steps.
The government has a 41-day timeframe to file an appeal, underscoring the importance of the JSC’s forthcoming directives in shaping the Prime Minister’s approach to the High Court ruling. This scenario reflects the intricate nature of legal processes in Fiji, as well as the evolving circumstances that may arise depending on the JSC’s future actions. With potential developments ahead, the situation remains dynamic, suggesting a commitment to upholding the rule of law while navigating complex legal frameworks.