The Fiji Law Society has said Janet Mason, the counsel assisting the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into Barbara Malimali’s appointment as Commissioner of FICAC should step aside as her continued involvement in the Commission “undermines confidence in the COI.”
In a press release, the Council of the Fiji Law Society states the Society did not and does not seek Mrs. Mason’s “removal” from the COI.
It is a matter of public record that there is currently a finding of misconduct by the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal against her. Mrs. Mason has indicated that she has appealed that decision, and it is her right to do so,” said the FLS Council.
“The Chief Registrar has raised concerns regarding Mrs. Mason’s application for a Fiji practicing certificate and she has made serious allegations of a criminal nature against the Legal Practitioners Unit in relation to that application. It is her right to do this also.”
“The Society is of the view that Mrs. Mason should step aside while these matters remain unresolved. This is because Mrs. Mason’s continued involvement as Counsel Assisting the COI undermines confidence in the COI.”
Council of the Fiji Law Society states the COI is inquiring into the legality and propriety of Ms. Malimali’s appointment as Commissioner of FICAC.
“An essential element of the inquiry therefore is holding public officials and others to account for their decisions and to a high standard of integrity, propriety and professionalism.”
“Confidence in the COI’s ability to undertake that process requires both the Commissioner and Mrs. Mason’s integrity, propriety and professionalism to be beyond reproach.”
“The Society has utmost confidence in the Commissioner in this regard. However, the finding of misconduct against Mrs. Mason and unresolved issues regarding her application for a Fiji practicing certificate undermines that confidence in the COI.”
