Francis Puleiwai, the former Deputy Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), has formally requested an investigation into her successor, Barbara Malimali. In a letter to the Chief Registrar, Puleiwai accused Malimali of misconduct, specifically in relation to the alleged unlawful issuance of a Stop Departure Order.
Puleiwai claims that Malimali’s actions on September 7 were deliberate and lacked a proper investigative basis at the time. She pointed out that the issuance of the Stop Departure Order was not carried out within the legally mandated 24-hour timeframe. According to Puleiwai, this misuse of authority aimed to prevent her from leaving the country while assembling a case against her, contravening established legal protocols.
Puleiwai emphasized that her actions on September 5 were conducted in good faith and protected under the FICAC Act 2007, as detailed in Section 10G(1) which grants her immunity from criminal or civil liabilities for those actions. She noted that the Stop Departure Order remained active in the Immigration System and had not been rescinded despite the procedural errors involved.
Furthermore, Puleiwai highlighted Malimali’s failure to communicate with the Director of Immigration to resolve the matter regarding the incorrect order. FijiLive has reached out to the Chief Registrar’s Office for a response regarding these allegations.
This developing situation underscores the importance of adhering to legal protocols within public institutions to ensure accountability and justice. As the investigation progresses, it could serve as a pivotal moment for reinforcing integrity within the FICAC and the broader legal framework in Fiji.
In summary, this unfolding conflict highlights the crucial need for transparency and adherence to legal procedures in maintaining public trust in governmental operations. The resolution of this issue could pave the way for a more accountable and transparent approach to public service in Fiji.
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