Opposition MP Premila Kumar expressed her shock over the appointment of Electoral Commission Chairperson Barbara Malimali to lead the new Commission of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
In her statement, Kumar criticized the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) for confirming the appointment of someone currently under investigation by the organization she is set to head. She questioned whether the JSC was unaware of the ongoing investigations or deliberately chose to overlook them, highlighting serious concerns about the appointment process’s integrity and credibility.
Kumar emphasized that public confidence in FICAC’s ability to execute its mandate fairly is jeopardized when its leader is involved in significant allegations. She called for transparency and accountability from those in positions of authority, stating that the people of Fiji deserve better leadership.
She requested a comprehensive explanation from the Chair of the JSC, Justice Salesi Temo, regarding the decision-making process involved in this appointment, noting the apparent lack of due diligence. Kumar reiterated the need for leaders of public institutions to possess unquestionable integrity to serve the nation’s best interests.