Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has expressed strong opposition to the appointment of Barbara Malimali, urging Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to take action. Chaudhry criticized the Prime Minister for seemingly retreating behind the Judicial Service Commission, which recommended Malimali for the position at the Office of the President.
The leader of the Fiji Labour Party stated that it is troubling for Malimali to be appointed while she is under investigation for alleged abuse of office, claiming it contradicts the rule of law and undermines good governance principles. He also suggested that the situation was politically manipulated to protect Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad from facing charges related to false declarations to the Registrar of Political Parties.
Chaudhry noted that seven other Cabinet ministers were also referred to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) for similar offenses, following the resignation of the acting Deputy Commissioner Francis Puleiwai. He emphasized that these referrals came after the Registrar’s Office verified breaches of the Political Parties Act.
He expressed that the handling of the FICAC appointment has shocked the nation, unsettling the business community and diminishing investor confidence. Chaudhry called on the Prime Minister to stop being a passive observer, stating that he must act to re-establish confidence in his government. He warned that inaction would deepen public perception of a self-serving government lacking integrity.
Chaudhry raised concerns regarding Malimali’s intentions, questioning her commitment to reviewing files of senior political figures while remaining silent about her own investigation. He warned that any attempts to obstruct or manipulate the ongoing investigation could worsen the already tense situation.