A petition to remove Barbara Malimali from her position as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has received over 100 signatures. Alexandra Forwood, who started the petition on change.org, aims to encourage Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to discuss with President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere the possibility of terminating Ms. Malimali’s appointment.
Forwood alleges that Ms. Malimali’s appointment was problematic, as she was under investigation by FICAC prior to her becoming the commissioner. Additionally, she asserts that Ms. Malimali should face charges for alleged abuse of office. “We humbly request you sign our petition,” stated Ms. Forwood.
In response, Ms. Malimali remarked that opinions about her appointment are welcome in a free country. The call for her removal has gained traction among political figures, including Savenaca Narube and former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, both of whom have condemned her appointment and urged Mr. Rabuka to address the “abuse of power” affecting FICAC.
Central to this debate is a leaked FICAC letter outlining charges against Finance Minister Biman Prasad. Mr. Prasad was expected to be charged two weeks ago for not declaring all his assets, income, and liabilities before the last election, coinciding with Ms. Malimali’s recent appointment. Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC, Francis Puleiwai, currently in Australia, described the delay in filing these charges as disappointing.
Ms. Forwood, a former resident of Fiji now living in Australia, is the daughter of a man who spent over 40 years in Fiji and married an iTaukei woman. She has been active in voicing her concerns regarding political matters in Fiji.