The recent arrest of Barbara Malimali, the newly appointed Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), by her own staff has raised concerns within the government about the implications for her appointment.
During a press conference, Attorney-General Graham Leung described the incident as an “extraordinary morning,” noting that it is unprecedented for a new leader to be arrested by their team on their first day. Leung expressed that he was surprised to learn of the arrest while attending a session in Parliament, and he questioned the legality of the circumstances surrounding Ms. Malimali’s arrest.
Leung highlighted that Ms. Francis Puleiwai, who was among the applicants for the FICAC position, had applied alongside approximately 20 other candidates. Following a transparent and merit-based selection process, Malimali was appointed to the role, with recommendations made to the President by the Judicial Services Commission.
He emphasized that all constitutional procedures leading up to her appointment were adhered to and pointed out that it is essential for public officials to follow legal processes regarding their appointments. Leung stated that any candidate who feels aggrieved by an appointment has the right to challenge it through legal means or appeals.
Moreover, he disclosed that FICAC had recently issued a search warrant against the Electoral Commission, seeking information related to Malimali, which raises questions about the motives behind her arrest, particularly since it was carried out by an individual who had also applied for her position.
The situation has reportedly been resolved for now, as Malimali has been released following the incident.