The recent appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has raised concerns regarding institutional independence and the absence of due process, while Prime Minister claims to be unaware of the unfolding events.
On the second day of the Barbara-gate scandal, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Biman Prasad emerged as a key figure amid allegations related to undeclared assets, income, and liabilities. Malimali’s swift installation at FICAC has led to speculation that her role might be to hinder any investigations that could involve the Finance Minister.
Attorney-General Graham Leung defended Malimali’s appointment, suggesting that her position aims to safeguard those in power from accountability. Meanwhile, Acting Deputy Commissioner Francis Pulewai submitted her resignation during a meeting with the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), stating that she could not work with Malimali. She emphasized her commitment to upholding the rule of law and stated that investigations concerning Prasad were already in progress prior to her resignation.
Pulewai expressed hope that the integrity of FICAC would be maintained and that justice would be served. When questioned about her resignation, Prasad indicated the matter would be addressed by the new commissioner, asserting that his legal team had already clarified the baseless nature of the allegations against him.
Justice Minister Siromi Turaga confirmed that Malimali had lodged a complaint regarding a FICAC search at the Electoral Commission. Immediately following her appointment, she visited FICAC offices and was later questioned by investigators on her first day at work but was released shortly thereafter.
Turaga insisted that Malimali was uninformed about the ongoing investigation until she began her role and criticized the leak of information on social media, which he felt undermined confidentiality protocols. Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica also stated that the due process was adhered to, highlighting that two distinguished judges were involved in the JSC.
The People’s Alliance Party has pledged to abolish FICAC within the first 100 days of governance.