Attorney-General Graham Leung has defended the appointment of Barbara Malimali as the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), asserting that her selection adhered to proper procedures. During a press briefing at his office, Leung stated that Malimali was chosen based on merit after being shortlisted among four other candidates.
Malimali is currently under investigation by FICAC, which has been without a head for several months. Leung explained that according to the Constitution, the Judicial Services Commission is responsible for recommending candidates for the FICAC Commissioner position to the President.
Leung referred to the morning of Malimali’s appointment as “extraordinary,” noting that the President formally appointed her as FICAC Commissioner in accordance with constitutional processes. As the line minister answerable for FICAC, Leung emphasized the importance of the proper exercise of FICAC’s powers, which can significantly affect individuals’ liberties and reputations.
However, a surprising turn of events occurred on Malimali’s first day as FICAC Commissioner. She was reportedly detained by her own staff for questioning regarding allegations of abuse of office. Initially, the media was informed that Acting Deputy FICAC Commissioner Francis Pulewai would hold a press conference, but that never took place. Leung mentioned that it appeared Pulewai had approved Malimali’s arrest.
He characterized the situation as extreme and questioned the legality of the self-arrest involving the new commissioner, expressing concern over the ramifications of such actions by agency staff on their new leader.
Pulewai later responded, stating that she was acting within the bounds of due process to uphold the rule of law when addressing the corruption-related allegations against Malimali.