A petition calling for the dismissal of Barbara Malimali as the Commissioner of Fiji’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has received over 100 signatures. Alexandra Forwood, the petition’s organizer on change.org, aims to persuade Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to discuss Ms. Malimali’s removal with President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere.
Forwood alleges that Ms. Malimali’s appointment was surrounded by questionable circumstances, noting that she was under investigation by FICAC prior to taking the position. Furthermore, Forwood has suggested that Ms. Malimali should face charges related to suspected abuse of office.
“We humbly request you sign our petition,” stated Forwood. In response, Ms. Malimali remarked that people are free to express their opinions about her appointment, highlighting the nature of free speech in the country.
Forwood’s push for change in the leadership of FICAC has attracted notable political figures, including Savenaca Narube and former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, who have both criticized Ms. Malimali’s appointment and urged action from Prime Minister Rabuka against the perceived ‘abuse of power’ associated with the commission.
At the center of this controversy is a leaked FICAC document detailing charges against Minister of Finance Biman Prasad. Prasad was expected to face charges regarding allegations of failing to disclose all his assets, income, and liabilities prior to the last election, coinciding with Ms. Malimali’s recent appointment as FICAC chief.
FICAC’s Acting Deputy Commissioner, Francis Puleiwai, currently in Australia, described the delay in filing charges against Prasad as ‘sad.’
Alexandra Forwood, the individual behind the petition, is a former resident of Fiji now residing in Australia. Her adoptive father spent over 40 years working and living in Fiji and married an iTaukei woman. She has been active in voicing her concerns regarding political matters in Fiji.