The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has passed the case against its commissioner, Barbara Malimali, to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for further evaluation.
FICAC announced that this referral is connected to a complaint of alleged abuse of office concerning Ms. Malimali’s time as chair of the Electoral Commission of Fiji (ECF). Last week, she expressed that she was unaware of any active investigation against her until investigators conducted a raid at the Electoral Commission’s office on September 3. Furthermore, she stated that she was not informed about being detained and questioned when she reported to work at FICAC on September 5.
Additionally, FICAC confirmed that five cases referred by the Supervisor of Elections earlier this year have been closed, with the Supervisor being informed of this closure on July 24, 2024. These cases involve potential corrupt practices linked to the FijiFirst party’s false declarations, particularly concerning the FijiFirst Australia Association Incorporated, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and Tito Bainimarama. Other allegations include collusion and conflict of interest involving Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Mohammed Saneem, as well as a complaint against Arif Ali for donating $10,000 to the FijiFirst party while serving as a civil servant.
Further complaints involve Voreqe Bainimarama related to false declarations of income and assets for the years 2014 to 2019 and 2022, and Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum for not declaring overseas travel allowances. FICAC stated that while some matters referred by the Supervisor of Elections are still under investigation, they will refrain from commenting until these investigations are completed. They reassured that the Commission is operating normally and all procedures remain unchanged, handling every complaint diligently.
In a related development, Fiji Labour Party (FLP) leader Mahendra Chaudhry has called for Ms. Malimali to step aside to facilitate the proposed inquiry by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. He responded to Mr. Rabuka’s statement that an inquiry is necessary to address concerns regarding Ms. Malimali’s appointment as FICAC Commissioner. Chaudhry urged the Prime Minister to expedite the inquiry and emphasized the need for it to be independent and free from connections to those involved in the matter.