Chaudhry concerned about Rabuka’s comments and raises issues of conflict of interest

Fiji Labour Party Leader, Mahendra Chaudhry says it is unwise of the Prime Minister to continue to make public pronouncements on the correctness or otherwise of Barbara Malimali’s appointment as FICAC Commissioner, ahead of an inquiry into the entire sordid affair.

Chaudhry says Rabuka was quoted as saying that the entire process was conducted according to the law, with the involvement of the Judicial Services Commission and those responsible in that capacity.

He says Rabuka’s remarks may well be construed as not only pre-empting the work of the proposed commission of inquiry, it could also be seen as misleading the nation.

Chaudhry stresses that Malimali’s appointment was clearly unlawful as she herself was under investigation by FICAC at the time.

He adds the Judicial Services Commission was wrong in appointing her until she had been cleared by FICAC.

Chaudhry says Labour is also somewhat apprehensive of the Prime Minister’s remark that the terms of reference and appointment of the proposed inquiry will be discussed in Cabinet tomorrow.

He says it must be remembered that some 7 to 8 cabinet ministers are/were the subject of an investigation by FICAC following complaints lodged by the Registrar of Political Parties.

Chaudhry says there is a glaring conflict of interest here.