Chief Registrar Tomasi Bainivalu has issued a warning to Francis Puleiwai, urging her not to undermine the integrity of his office. Bainivalu’s remarks came after Puleiwai, the former Acting Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), filed a complaint against the current FICAC Commissioner, Barbara Malimali.
The complaint arises from Malimali’s issuance of a Stop Departure Order (SDO) against Puleiwai shortly after her departure for Brisbane, Australia. Puleiwai contends that this action was unjust and violated the FICAC Act of 2007. She claims that the SDO was issued without a prior investigation and was served beyond the required 24-hour period, indicating a misuse of authority by Malimali.
Puleiwai also referenced her immunity under Section 10G (1) of the FICAC Act, asserting that any complaints against her based on actions taken in good faith should be considered invalid. Despite her assertions, she noted that the SDO remains active in the immigration system.
In her email complaint to Bainivalu, which included several political figures and media professionals, Puleiwai emphasized that her intent was to promote transparency and accountability rather than to ridicule the legal system. Bainivalu, however, expressed concern that involving prominent figures and the media in the issue could be interpreted as making a mockery of the process. He reinforced the importance of respecting the independence of the unit that handles legal practitioner complaints.
Bainivalu reiterated that Frau Puleiwai’s complaint will be managed like any other, while Puleiwai voiced her hope for an impartial handling of her grievance. She questioned the swift action taken on Malimali’s complaint against her, hinting at possible biases in the investigation processes.
This developing situation highlights the importance of maintaining integrity within governmental institutions, promoting accountability, and ensuring transparent processes in handling complaints. Both parties are advocating for fairness, each believing they uphold justice in their respective complaints. It is essential for the legal and political institutions involved to carefully navigate these concerns, ultimately aiming for a resolution that strengthens trust amongst the public and within the system itself.
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