The recent appointment of Barbara Malimali has highlighted concerns regarding institutional independence, the lack of due process, and a prime minister seemingly unaware of the unfolding events under his administration.
On Day Two of the Barbara-gate scandal, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Biman Prasad enters the fray, facing multiple allegations relating to undisclosed assets, income, and liabilities. Ms. Malimali’s rapid appointment as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) raises suspicions that she may be positioned to obstruct investigations implicating the Finance Minister.
The situation escalates as Attorney-General Graham Leung supports Ms. Malimali’s appointment, with critics alleging that her role at FICAC is meant to safeguard the interests of those presently in power, shielding them from accountability.
Following these developments, Acting Deputy Commissioner Francis Pulewai resigned after meeting with the Judicial Services Commission (JSC). She expressed her inability to work with Ms. Malimali and clarified that her resignation was not aimed at opposing the new appointment but rather to uphold the rule of law. Pulewai stated that an investigation into Mr. Prasad was already underway before her tenure and emphasized the need for the files to remain untouched by external influence.
In response to queries regarding her resignation, Biman Prasad remarked that the matter now falls to the incoming commissioner. He asserted that his legal team has been engaged from the onset, indicating that there is no valid basis for the allegations.
Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga confirmed that Ms. Malimali had submitted a complaint to the JSC regarding a FICAC search at the Electoral Commission. Shortly after, she was introduced at the FICAC office as the new Commissioner. However, on her first day at work, FICAC investigators questioned her, although she was released by midday.
Additionally, Ms. Pulewai had communicated to Mr. Turaga that Mr. Prasad would be facing charges. Turaga reiterated that Ms. Malimali was appointed by the JSC and that she was not informed of any investigation until she commenced her duties.
Emphasizing the importance of confidentiality within the JSC, Turaga criticized how details of the process were leaked on social media. He affirmed that FICAC operates under the 2013 Constitution. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica asserted that proper procedures were followed and that the government respects democratic principles and the separation of powers.
The People’s Alliance Party Manifesto had pledged to abolish FICAC within its first 100 days in office.