A formal complaint is necessary to initiate an investigation into Barbara Malimali, John Rabuku, and Siromi Turaga, according to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. Such a complaint may also result in their possible suspension.
This statement comes after Ms. Malimali, the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), Mr. Rabuku, the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and Mr. Turaga, the Minister for Justice, were spotted together last Friday at the Grand Pacific Hotel during a welcoming event for a Japanese delegation from the Ministry of Justice.
During a discussion outside his office yesterday, Mr. Rabuka indicated that any action regarding Ms. Malimali, Mr. Rabuku, and Mr. Turaga would rely on complaints made against them. He questioned, “What is wrong with that? Has there been a report made on them appearing together? If there’s a report, then yes.”
Mr. Turaga refrained from commenting after a Cabinet meeting but mentioned that a statement would be released soon. Graham Leung, the Government’s chief legal adviser and Attorney General, dismissed the incident, stating, “It’s just a photo.”
Following the release of the photograph, the Ministry of Justice’s Facebook page removed images of the officials, raising concerns about a potential conflict of interest.
In relation to the background of the situation, on September 24, the Director of the Criminal Investigation Department received a referral regarding Ms. Malimali from Mr. Rabuku’s office, in consultation with Acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva. Mr. Turaga is currently under investigation by FICAC. Mr. Rabuka described Ms. Malimali’s case as “incomplete,” necessitating further examination by the police.
The recent incident is reminiscent of the case involving Christopher Pryde, the former and suspended DPP, who was dismissed in April of last year due to alleged “misbehaviour.” Allegations surfaced that Mr. Pryde had been seen with former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum at the residence of Japan’s Ambassador to Fiji in Tamavua, Suva, during an investigation involving Mr. Sayed-Khaiyum. At the time, Mr. Turaga was vocal about Mr. Pryde’s case, stating that Mr. Pryde spent “about 30 to 45 minutes conversing alone” with Mr. Sayed-Khaiyum. Ultimately, Mr. Pryde was suspended by President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere based on the Judicial Services Commission’s recommendation.
The situation has sparked significant backlash from several political figures. Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu has called for the suspension of the three officials, similar to the action taken against Mr. Pryde. Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry underscored the importance of upholding good governance and integrity within public offices.
Unity Fiji leader Savenaca Narube pointed out that “Ms. Malimali was recently photographed in the company of senior justice officers and the Minister for Justice, who is reported to also be under investigation by FICAC. To me, this looks exactly like the case of the former DPP, Mr. Christopher Pryde, being seen talking to the former Attorney-General, Mr. Sayed-Khaiyum, which led to his suspension.” He emphasized that all allegations must be investigated and stressed the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, arguing that public trust in FICAC’s impartiality and independence is essential for justice.
In a concerning turn of events, Ministry of Justice manager Collin Yabaki issued a legal threat against this publication for covering the issue. He questioned, “Who gave you permission to use the photo? Why do you have to make a big issue out of it?”