The appointment of Barbara Malimali as the new Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has been scrutinized by Opposition Member Jone Usamate, who claims that good governance principles have not been upheld.
In a recent statement, Mr. Usamate expressed concerns, stating, “The appointment of Ms. Barbara Malimali feels all wrong and inappropriate.” He clarified that he supports women in significant roles but believes that the standards of transparency and accountability have been overlooked in this instance.
Mr. Usamate pointed out that the Constitutional Offices Commission typically relies on an independent team to vet applications when making appointments to ensure the selection of the best candidates. He posed a critical question regarding whether the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) followed this standard in Ms. Malimali’s hiring process.
“It is the JSC’s responsibility to uphold public trust in independent institutions, even if it means acting against their interests,” he noted. He emphasized the importance of the JSC acting with responsibility.
While acknowledging that Ms. Malimali may be qualified—referencing Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo’s comment that she received the highest score of 141—he questioned whether due diligence was performed to confirm there were no ongoing investigations into her.
Mr. Usamate suggested that Ms. Malimali’s appointment should have been postponed until all allegations against her were addressed, stressing the importance of an impeccable process in selecting the FICAC Commissioner. He warned that failing to ensure a proper appointment process could compromise the agency’s integrity and public trust.
The Opposition MP also raised concerns about the Constitutional Offices Commission’s stance, asking whether it had received a resignation letter from Ms. Malimali after she was appointed chair of the Electoral Commission and if she had completed the required notice period for her resignation.
Additionally, he demanded clarification on who instructed the then Acting Deputy Commissioner, Ms. Francis Puleiwai, not to file formal charges against Hon. Biman Prasad, labeling it a serious abuse of power that warrants an independent police investigation.
Mr. Usamate concluded by asserting that Ms. Malimali should have exercised better judgment in accepting the FICAC Commissioner role amid ongoing investigations, warning that this not only jeopardizes FICAC’s reputation but hers as well.
In response, Ms. Malimali criticized political commentators for calling into question the JSC’s decision, which comprises highly respected members of the judiciary.