Attorney General Graham Leung has emphasized that due process was followed in appointing Barbara Malimali as the new Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
Leung expressed concern that Francis Pulewai, the Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC, might have authorized Malimali’s arrest and exercised arrest powers against her, despite her legitimate appointment.
He clarified that Malimali’s appointment was formally made by President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, based on the advice of the Judicial Services Commission, in compliance with legal protocols.
Leung urged Pulewai to acknowledge this appointment, as the arrest of Malimali raises significant issues, particularly in light of her reported detention.
Additionally, he revealed that all five members of the Electoral Commission had reached out to the Judicial Services Commission to reaffirm their full confidence in Malimali’s integrity, labeling the complaint of abuse of office against her as unfounded.
However, Leung did not clarify whether Malimali had resigned from her role as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission.
The Attorney General asserted that the powers of FICAC must be exercised cautiously and thoughtfully, rather than in a reactive manner.