The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has sent a referral regarding its Commissioner, Barbara Malimali, to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for a detailed review. The referral stems from a complaint involving alleged Abuse of Office during Malimali’s time as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission.
In addition, FICAC has announced the closure of five cases that were previously referred by the Supervisor of Elections earlier this year, with notifications regarding their closure communicated on July 24, 2024. The five cases addressed include:
1. Allegations of corrupt practices linked to the FijiFirst Party, specifically involving false declarations concerning the Fiji First Australia Association Incorporated, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and Tito Bainimarama.
2. A complaint against Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Mohammed Saneem for collusion and conflict of interest, along with Ariff Ali for donating $10,000 to the FijiFirst Party while serving as a civil servant.
3. Complaints involving His Excellency, The President of the Republic of Fiji, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and Charan Jeath Singh.
4. Allegations against Voreqe Bainimarama for submitting false declarations of Income, Assets, and Liabilities for the years 2014 to 2019 and for 2022.
5. A complaint against Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum for not declaring an overseas travel allowance.
FICAC stated that other matters referred by the Supervisor of Elections are still under investigation, and the Commission will refrain from commenting until these investigations are concluded. FICAC emphasizes that it continues to operate normally, with all processes and procedures remaining unchanged, and that every complaint, irrespective of the individual involved, is handled with the necessary scrutiny.