Apenisa Waqairadovu 
Senior Barrister Janet Mason
Manager Investigation, who was a key witness in the Commission of Inquiry into the validity of Barbara Malimali’s appointment as Commissioner, has been dismissed by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption.
Kuliniasi Saumi was dismissed on Friday, as confirmed by Senior Barrister Janet Mason.
Mason confirmed that the Commission had received word of Malimali’s decision to dismiss Saumi.
She says that Saumi has given evidence and was on the stand for four days, and his testimony is still admissible in this inquiry.
Mason adds that the Commission has taken action, as they wish to recall Saumi for further questioning.
“Mr Saumi was seemingly dismissed on Friday, so that’s what he advised us, so I can’t say any more because the matter is with the police.”
Mason said the problem the COI now had was how his dismissal could affect other witnesses.
She said other witnesses from FICAC may be afraid to give evidence, and the COI wants Saumi to give more evidence on other issues that have come out.
Mason said the issue was that he no longer had access to certain documents, and that would impact the integrity of the Commission and its work.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime Mesake Waqa has confirmed that Saumi has lodged a report against Malimali at CID Headquarters.
