Opposition MP Premila Kumar expressed her shock at the appointment of Electoral Commission Chairperson Barbara Malimali to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). In a statement, Kumar criticized the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) for confirming the appointment of someone currently under investigation by the organization she is set to lead, calling the situation both astonishing and unethical.
Kumar raised questions about whether the JSC was unaware of these investigations or chose to disregard them, pointing out that this decision jeopardizes the integrity and credibility of the appointment process. She emphasized the lack of public confidence in FICAC’s ability to execute its mandate fairly when its leadership is associated with serious allegations.
The MP has called on the Chair of the JSC to clarify how this decision was made, suggesting a failure in due diligence regarding such a crucial appointment. Kumar insisted that the people of Fiji deserve better leadership and that those in power must prioritize the nation’s best interests, ensuring that institutions are headed by individuals with impeccable integrity. FijiLive has also attempted to contact Justice Salesi Temo, the Chairperson of the JSC, for further commentary.