Former Deputy Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), Francis Puleiwai, has formally requested an investigation into her successor, Barbara Malimali, alleging misconduct related to the issuance of a Stop Departure Order. In her correspondence to the Chief Registrar, Puleiwai claimed that Malimali’s actions on September 7 seemed intentional as no investigation was underway at that time, and the order was not executed within the legally mandated 24-hour timeframe.
Puleiwai contended that the law explicitly outlines the necessary protocols and powers for such orders and accused Malimali of deviating from these established procedures. She suggested that the Stop Departure Order was misused to hinder her from leaving the country while Malimali attempted to build a case against her. Puleiwai emphasized that her actions on September 5 were conducted in good faith and stated that she is protected from criminal or civil liability under Section 10G(1) of the FICAC Act 2007.
Concerns were raised about the ongoing status of the Stop Departure Order, which Puleiwai noted remains active in the Immigration System despite alleged procedural mistakes. She criticized Malimali’s failure to engage with the Director of Immigration to amend what she described as a wrongful order.
FijiLive has reached out to the Chief Registrar’s Office for further comments regarding this situation.
This case highlights the critical importance of adherence to legal protocols within government offices, particularly in matters of authority and governance. As investigations proceed, it’s crucial for all parties involved to ensure that justice is served and that such discrepancies are addressed promptly. The integrity of regulatory bodies like FICAC is essential for maintaining public trust, and this situation provides an opportunity for improvements in procedural compliance and accountability within the organization.
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