It beggars belief that the supposedly free Fijian media has allowed the “Snake” – Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka – to slither out of granting the request by the Commission of Inquiry into the appointment of Barbara Malimali as FICAC Commissioner for an “urgent meeting” to appeal for her suspension to prevent her intimidating FICAC witnesses.
After the big headlines last week on the request for a meeting, a small article on Page 7 of today’s Fiji Times tells us that it isn’t going to happen. Why? Because the Prime Minister says he “doesn’t want to be seen influencing the outcome” of the COI.
Never mind that Barbara Malimali is influencing the outcome – interfering with judicial proceedings by firing her chief investigator while he gives evidence or brazenly intimidating other FICAC witnesses. Pontius Rabuka doesn’t intend to meet his constitutional obligation to do anything about it by advising the President to do what should have always happened – suspend Bad-Ass Barbie for the duration of the proceedings.
It is a monumental abrogation of the Prime Minister’s duty to ensure the proper conduct of the investigation he commissioned into what he described himself as the “rotten circumstances” of Barbara Malimali’s appointment – the Siren of Tuvalu parachuted into FICAC to block the investigations into a slew of ministers and on the very day the corruption watchdog’s former deputy Commissioner, Francis Puleiwai, was about to charge the Deputy Prime Minister, Biman Prasad.
The miserable Snake does his usual slithering act by saying he will meet Justice David Ashton Lewis and Janet Mason if they want more time and money to complete their work. But he “doesn’t want to be seen to be influencing the outcome of the Inquiry” by acceding to their demand that Barbara Malimali be suspended for her outrageous assault on the COI by blatantly interfering with its witnesses.
It is simply scandalous and we await public comment from the Commission with more than usual interest. Because guess what, Fiji? The government may be slow to prevent the course of justice being perverted and keep a FICAC Commissioner who is under investigation at her post to intimidate witnesses being questioned about the “rotten circumstances” of her appointment. But it has been quick to appoint a replacement for Francis Puleiwai – the brave FICAC deputy commissioner who was forced into exile (she is reportedly now in New Zealand) for daring to do her job and bring Coalition ministers to account.
Lisiate Fotofili – the resident magistrate who was brought into FICAC as “Acting Deputy Commissioner” when Barbara Malimali was “sent on leave” two weeks ago – isn’t a temporary appointment at all. He has been given a three year contract. (see letter of appointment below). And all without any official announcement of his three-year term, let alone a proper selection process. Yes, Fiji. Once again, the position wasn’t advertised. They’ve just parachuted their man into the job.
You’ll remember that when the announcement was made that Lisiate Fotofili was taking up the FICAC role, Grubsheet made much of the fact that it was highly irregular for a member of the judiciary to take a job in the executive government. Well it turns out that he had already left the judiciary. It’s just that we weren’t told. Another handpicked appointment by a government that promised transparency and has delivered anything but.
But it is at a completely different level of gravity altogether for the Prime Minister to be shutting his door on an infinitely more important member of the judiciary – Justice Ashton Lewis – as the Judge seeks to prevent Barbara Malimali’s shameless interference in the conduct of his inquiry into her appointment.
It is no exaggeration to say that Sitiveni Rabuka and his equally disgraceful Attorney General, Graham Leung, are now party to Barbara Malimali’s interference in the conduct of the COI. They too are perverting the course of justice by keeping her in place as FICAC Commissioner when there is clear evidence of wrongdoing in Malimali shamelessly sacking a senior member of her staff while he was still giving evidence.
God help us, Fiji. We have a rogue Chief Justice who won’t fulfil his constitutional duty and has to be told what the law means by a distinguished outsider. We have a Prime Minister who won’t fulfil his constitutional duty even when he is told that the law gives him the power to act. And we have an Attorney General who sits there silent, Buddha-like, serenely enabling both the letter and spirit of the law to be violated.
And today in the parliament, they all begin their assault on the supreme law – the Constitution – with a bill to change Chapter 11 – the requirement that it can only be altered by a 75 per cent vote in the parliament and a 75 per cent vote in the electorate.
The Prime Minister says he believes he has the numbers – now that most of the Opposition has been bought off – to change the supreme law. And when Chapter 11 is altered, it will pave the way for everything else to be altered, including the common and equal citizenry and the common identity.
Be afraid, Fiji, be very afraid. And certainly if you care about the rule of law or are a non-indigenous Fijian. Because the Barbarians are at the gate across a broad front. Aided and abetted by some of those who brought us the 2013 Constitution in the first place under FijiFirst but have been bought off by the “Snake” and infected with the same poison.
While the FICAC Acting Deputy Commissioner gets a three year contract without the position being advertised or any formal announcement of his three-year term.
And to cap it all, a bill to alter the Constitution goes before the parliament as it convenes today for the current session.
From collecting bottles to a $F1600 (and upwards) Montblanc Meisterstück fountain pen. (On the desk at left).
“Mac” Patel’s solid gold Rolex from 1987 may have been sold to raise cash but the PM still has some luxuries to go with the tens of thousands of extra dollars he has just earned in travel allowance from his extended overseas trip.
Nice for some, eh Fiji?
Here’s hoping the rest of you have the water and power on. Have a blessed week!
“Pontius Rabuka”, aka “PR” gives hints to his PR campaign for immortality, or is that immorality?
GD
For what’s it worth, legally under Employment legal” jurisprudence, an outside body such as the CoI cannot make a recommendation to suspend anyone in employment because that could potentially be a breach of thato employee’s employment contract. Suspending someone could only occur under the “contempt” principle. In other words the CoI on their own volition could have issued a contempt order against Malimali for witness tempering. But they had failed to do so, and instead are seeking an audience with the Prime Minister. That is most bizarre.
As I had suggested previously, the CoI has lost its credibility because it has no legal clout and has become a laughing stock. By the time it publishes its findings, the Government wouldn’t give a toss to its outcome. Rabuka and his clowns are pulling all the strings!
As we all know the country is gone to the dogs. Nearly 40 years of coup men in leadership and this is what we have today. Complete lawlessness Fiji.
What have we achieved for the future of our youth? Nothing. We have given them no hope for a better Fiji.
This is on us.
Next election only vote for a party that has no coup leaders. We must change the leadership and our story. We need a clean slate now.
The role of media in a country is so important.
In Fiji, the media has failed to hold the politicians accountable.
From Stanley, Lice, Wilson, Fred, Vijay, and others have all failed the country.
This group of so called free media will never be forgotten in Fiji’s history.
We are in a dangerous situation today.
Fiji’s future will change for the worse after this week.
All the media do is workshops after workshops after workshops.
What are they workshopping about?
It’s like they’re blind to what is happening around them.
Workshop and eat nonstop. Just look at their sizes. Obese and kava doped all the time.
Rabuka never tells the truth. That is very clear. The Indians who were dancing with and for him have gone into hiding. Not a single word from them.
We don’t expect Biman to do anything better for the country. He has sold his soul. So we know that the NFP will vote on what Rabuka dictates in parliament this week.
Biman will be the reason many Fiji Indians will be stateless in future.
You won’t be stateless but you won’t have equal rights as a citizen if these people get their way.
Let them change the constitution , it is what Rabuka and all the indigenous citizens from Fiji want.
They should also include that no “vulagi” either born in Fiji or else where in the world now residing in Fiji will be allowed to vote so the indigenous folks have 100% representation in the banana republic.
Whilst we are here , probably they can also ask no international aid will be received by this govt, since this is vulagi dollars.
The ‘Indians’?? ….why refer to them as such ?
They must be vulagi….eg Fiji born Europeans like GD are referred to as the ‘kai valagi’ (foreigner).
These ethnic labels are no longer relevant in modern Fiji.
Vilikesa really “These ethnic labels are no longer relevant in modern Fiji.” Maybe ask Rabuka what he really thinks. Weren’t the events of 1987 all about the vulagi?
Fiji is stuffed and you now have to wonder why the indigenous citizens from Fiji want to leave their native country for another country. They must have realized even they do not have a future.
Truth will hurt but that is the truth.
What this guy said!
The COI should release its findings to the people of Fiji, stop the inquiry and leave.
End of story. There is no hope.
The recommendation must be made that all findings will be released now.
The people of Fiji deserve the truth and nothing less.
Welcome to Rabuka’s Fiji.
The change people wanted.
So what will the people of Fiji do if the COI findings are released to the public?
Nothing, I tell you!
Truth and Reconciliation anyone?
Think 10 times before you want to be part of another of Rabuka’s shitshows.
If you are non-indigenous, stay right away.
Do not for a second think that this snake will be doing anyone a favour. It is all about him and no-one else.
We have landed on an extremely dangerous era and by our own design over the years.
Look at what we have gifted our future generations of Fiji. Nothing but more power control by more coup leaders. These leaders are going rogue and we have lost all control and faith. Welcome to Zimbabwe of the Pacific.
It’s interesting that Rabuka was the one who got his whole COI going, but now refuses to meet the commissioners to discuss any aspect of the inquiry. Is it because the commissioners are not dancing to Rabuka’s tune and choose to operate independentally and impartially?
The fact that David Ashton Lewis and Janet Mason are probably the only two honest people doing their jobs now without bias explains why this racist government desire to get rid of all non-iTaukeis and expatriates from the civil service who choose to do their jobs ethically and without fear of influence.
The fact that David Ashton Lewis and Janet Mason have not been paid a dime for their services should be a clear message that the two should not expect anything to come their way, even after they complete their work. Sure, the hotels, food and other expenses are all being taken care of by the government, their actual payment is probably never going to happen.
Given that the COI will wrap up in the very near future, the public must start to apply pressure to ensure the report isnt simply shelved and never allowed to see the light of day. It’s a pity the Comm. RFMF lost his balls when it got trapped between the toilet seat at the Mess, otherwise he could have demanded the COI report be made public.
There is no point in looking to the RFMF Commander for anything beyond a hug.
I’ve just had a horrible image of Barney the Dinosaur float into my mind, playing the role of the Comm. RFMF and singing “I love you. You love me,” while going around giving everyone hugs.
The snake is starting to look more and more like a slimy lizard now.
Stop comparing Rambo with Biman Chod !
Please give the PM time.
He has to go home and tell Sulueti how much he loves her. He was away during Valentine’s Day.
Then he has to call Cherry Picker Wilson and tell her how much he cares and loves her writing and what to write next.
He will do all this while lying down as that is what he doesn’t best nowadays.
It is a merry go round circus for our dear PM without a spine.
The parliament will be another circus this week.
If Rabuka was still in the military he could have rightfully been put before a court martial for dereliction of duty for his most recent behaviour.
He has become all of the three monkeys. Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil……….unless it’s about any non-indigenous people inhabiting the country, oh, and only the ones that don’t give him wads of money to prop up his failing country and keep the lights on.
To hell with the poor people barely surviving in tents and living their lives in poverty, whilst he increases his bank balance on an hourly basis.
This man is not a snake anymore, he is now a Devil.
Please don’t compare animals, reptiles etc to Rabuka and his favorites. Animals behave in that manner because God created them to do so. It is an insult to the animals. Man was given a bit more brain to behave better.
Whilst fiji is hurtling towards abyss can someone advise why itaukeis always, and I say always, use this word freely -mag I China na. I mean everywhere on social media, during fights, brawls, walking in streets at night disturbing peace. Respect your mothers, guys.
All this is an example of “open and transparent government” – but Fiji style of openess and transparency. Remember vulagis will never understand Fiji style of doing things.
Maybe the time has come again for itaukei to cede fiji to USA, UK or dare I say China?
I think Volodymyr Zalenskyy should learn a few lessons from our RFMF Commander on how to resolve things. I think our Commander’s approach would be to go and give Putin a hug and end the matter. No need to fight or for weapons.
It is like when Tonga will attack Fiji, our Army Commander will go and give the Tongan commander a hug and he will ask his men to do the same. Problem solved.
Fijian, iTaukei style of doing things is the best. Just ask them.
@ WTF
Why dont you test your theory by accosting a taukei man on the street and telling him in his face ‘M…..jinamu” !
The least he will do is to encourage you to go get circumcised.
What happened to the police complaint about the unlawful interference with a witness and whistle blower? The police have a duty to investigate and powers to arrest the FICAC leader. As she has now been put on leave which is further evidence she has committed a criminal offence of evidence tampering.
One of the UN leaders has given Fiji a stern message today for child protection policies. It is ACT now and enough of meetings.
We are in a sad state and situation and this is the failure of all consecutive governments in Fiji. They have absolutely failed our children.
Aid agencies continue to throw money at national violence prevention programmes. Can the likes of Shamima Ali tell us what have we achieved over the last 3 decades?
The UN mean well.
However, donor agencies are clueless that all our ills are from the “last 16 years and all problems are fault of the ” flawed constitution shoved down our throats.”
Hey Modri
Were you dead 17 years ago?
Or the calendar in your head goes as far back as 16 years ago?
You thick heads should have seen the state of affairs in 1987.
Members of parliament are replying to HE The President’s “Most Gracious Speech” in opening parliament last week. A pedo President who cannot even stand up by himself and a racist and dodgy background gave “a most gracious speech”. WTF?
GD, the $1600 Montblanc Meisterstück pen came with a spanking new gold Rolex. See photo on page two of the Fiji Sun today!
Well spotted! Posting to follow. It is time some hard questions are asked about where these expensive baubles are coming from and if they are gifts, whether they are being declared.
Is Fiji’s media truly free, or is it controlled? The way the media consistently avoids asking probing questions of the Prime Minister and his long list of inept ministers highlights the ongoing crises and the suppression of the real situation in Fiji.
For over two years, the media has failed to challenge the government’s wrongdoings. Ministers and independent institutions continue to make blunders, yet no one in the media dares to hold them accountable. Why? Because the media is controlled. When the Coalition government repealed the Media Decree, was this the deal they struck in exchange for unquestioning coverage?
Despite being in power for over two years, the media has not once criticized the government’s actions or produced well-researched articles. Why is the media so fearful of holding them to account?
Issues like the sudden appointment of Barbara Malimali and her interference with the Commission of Inquiry, Temo’s sudden confirmation as Chief Justice, Pulewai’s forced resignation, the Lynda saga, the Radrodro affair, rising costs of living, drug cases and violence, and Biman’s hostile remarks on the closure of a company with a 33-year history—all these issues should have kept the media active and vital. Yet, they remain largely unreported.
This is clear evidence that the media is controlled, not independent. Compare this to the critical media coverage during the Bainimarama government, where the media was quick to challenge even well-meaning government initiatives.
Take the recent incident with Biman Prasad’s remarks on Narube’s statement in Canberra. He didn’t ask Australia to stop aid but warned them to monitor how their funds were spent. Yet, the media has remained silent, but glorifying Biman’s statement and failing to provide balanced, well-researched reporting. Likewise, the media has not held Biman accountable for his election promises that have clearly been ignored, leaving the public in the dark about his contradictions. And what about his imminent arrest on the charges of undeclared assets under the Political Parties Act that was avoided through political interference?
Even the Straighttalk show by Vijay Narayan seems to be stage-managed to promote the government and undermine the opposition.
The truth is, Fiji’s media is not independent. It is being controlled to protect the government’s agenda. The Fiji Media is to be blamed for what Fiji is going through.
I am also bemused by the COI. It’s a semi judicial body. Why do they think they have these powers to demand. They need to examine facts, make a recommendation which then needs to be actioned by the Govt. It’s the Govt’s pejorative to do as they please. Politically if they don’t follow the recommendations, it may not be a good look. The ODPP will not take action against themselves or mates. This was a good exercise to show there is no rule of law. I think both Mason and Ashton Lewis need to do their job, give their findings and leave. They are jumping up and down. With ICAC in NSW, you don’t see ICAC jumping up and down..the reasons persons subject to enquiry resign/ step are various pushed out/ common sense/ appearance to be doing the right thing/ political pressure.
I am more intrigued by where foreign aid is going. Maybe it’s all being used properly and we on social media are just keyboard warriors from abroad?
G’day Graham,
More of a reader than a writer but I felt the need to point out that a “gold Rolex” is still on the wrist of Rabuka. (You only need to take a look at page 2 of the Fiji Sun today).
Whether this is the original gift from Mahen or a newer gift for his unprecedented release before imprisonment is unknown. Alternatively it could also be a purchase by Rabuka with his new found salary and allowances (which arguably is worse considering that money could have been spent on another generator for CWM in the case of redundancy).
As an avid watch enthusiast I have noticed him flaunting it more often in the last year. At first it was at notable events, however it seems that showing his bling off whilst the countries infrastructure falls apart is more of his thing. The most sensible word to describe Rabuka in this context would be a sadist. I assume that he is unfazed with the countries issues since his clock doesn’t tick and therefore does not remind him of the countless Fijians dying every day because of the failing healthcare infrastructure.
In my mind all this behavior is the equivalent of wearing a pink suit to a funeral. In simple words, he doesn’t give a flying F. But hey, at least he looks good while doing so. Right?
Well spotted! It certainly appears to be a solid gold Rolex Day-Date with a “president” bracelet.
Has “Mac” the crook given him another one to replace the one he gave him in 1987 which Sitiveni Rabuka sold for cash?
Let’s ask the question. Posting to follow….
I am not sure if anyone has been Blinky Bill reading his speech in parliament today.
It is embarrassing. They guy is acting PM sometimes.
With fake Israelites like Blinky running the show, why do people wonder why the country is where it is? He is having a hard time pretending to be the Deputy PM.
The message from UN today was get the place in order or you will f**k the next generation of Fijians. The government must get into gear.
Well, that was simply put in FM96 language. Not that FM96 free will be able to apply any other language and further articulation for the subject, given they are equally responsible for the growing child abuse in Fiji.
You see our media is just clueless.
Bloody useless.
The FICAC Acting DP is cut from the same cloth so let’s not get too excited about accountability and honest practice Fiji. In fact, anyone who gets a high promotion now in Fiji is part of the mob. Just when we thought Bai and Kai were bad and here comes the chiefly gang members.
Nothing will improve till we vote all coup leaders and coup associates out in the country. The UN stating this week that fiji will fail a generation because of its poor child protection policies is an example of how poor our leadership has been for decades, not overnight. Choose and vote wisely.