Attorney General Graham Leung emphasized that the appointment of Barbara Malimali as the new Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) followed due process. He expressed concern over Acting Deputy Commissioner Francis Pulewai possibly authorizing Malimali’s arrest, despite her valid appointment.
Leung clarified that Malimali had been officially appointed by President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, based on the advice of the Judicial Services Commission, in compliance with legal standards. He called on Pulewai to acknowledge this appointment, pointing out that Malimali’s arrest raises significant issues, especially since she has reportedly been detained.
Furthermore, Leung disclosed that all five members of the Electoral Commission had reached out to the Judicial Services Commission, expressing their complete trust in Malimali’s integrity and rejecting the claims of misconduct against her as unfounded.
However, Leung did not clarify whether Malimali had stepped down from her role as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission. He reiterated the importance of exercising FICAC’s powers thoughtfully and cautiously rather than impulsively.