Documents purportedly involved in the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) Report regarding the appointment of Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner Barbara Malimali allege that she abused her position to impede investigations into political allies and affect cases for her personal and political benefit.
The report states that Ms. Malimali ordered FICAC officials to cease investigations concerning complaints made by social media activist Alexandra Forwood, whose allegations largely targeted current Cabinet ministers and high-ranking judiciary members. The report concluded that this instruction was both arbitrary and illegal, as it contravenes the provisions of the FICAC Act that prevent complaints from being ignored based on the complainant’s tax status or residency.
Moreover, the inquiry highlighted that the halt in actions on complaints included serious allegations against Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica and Cabinet member Siromi Turaga, who are both connected to Ms. Malimali. The inquiry also revealed that Malimali had closed a case against Finance Minister Biman Prasad despite FICAC officials finding enough evidence to proceed under the Political Parties Act.
Further troubling findings from the inquiry noted that Kamikamica had approached a former minister suggesting Malimali could dismiss his charges, raising concerns about political influence impacting legal proceedings. The document suggested that Ms. Malimali directed FICAC officials to transfer sensitive files to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), involving individuals closely associated with her.
The CoI recommended an independent review of all affected cases to ensure accountability. This scrutiny aligns with past reports regarding Malimali’s management practices, which have been questioned amid broader concerns about trust in FICAC’s independence and integrity. Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and Unity Fiji party leader Savena Narube have echoed calls for transparency and urged the suspension of Malimali during the ongoing inquiries to preserve public confidence in FICAC’s operations.
This inquiry could serve as a pivotal moment for enhancing governance and combating corruption in Fiji, as stakeholders hope it fosters necessary reforms leading to a more accountable political landscape. The commitment to reevaluating past actions and challenging potentially unethical conduct presents an opportunity for improvement within Fiji’s governance structure, with an emphasis on high ethical standards.
Leave a comment