Following her appointment, newly appointed FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali has addressed concerns raised regarding her selection. In an interview, Malimali emphasized that the appropriate procedures were followed prior to her assumption of the role on September 5.
“I think all of this has been blown out of proportion, so for me, the best thing was not to say anything at all,” Malimali stated. She clarified that she resigned from her position as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Fiji on September 3, before starting at FICAC, asserting that there was no overlap in her roles.
Malimali criticized comments made by Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu and former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry regarding the selection process managed by the Judicial Services Commission, calling them irresponsible. She questioned Seruiratu’s credibility, pointing to his silence on the appointment of Francis Kean, a former commissioner convicted of murder in 2006.
“As for Hon Seruiratu, perhaps you might want to enquire with him about Mr. Francis Kean’s appointment as Commissioner of Prisons,” Malimali remarked, referencing Kean’s 18-month jail sentence for the murder of John Whippy. She expressed concern over the questioning of the integrity of the Acting Chief Justice and JSC members, suggesting that both Seruiratu and Chaudhry reflect on their roles following the events of 2006.
In response, Seruiratu urged Malimali to stay focused on the current issues rather than deflect. “What I would like to say to Ms. Malimali is that I, as the former Defence Minister, was not responsible for the appointment of the Corrections Commissioner at that time,” he explained, clarifying his role in the Committee of the Cabinet.
Chaudhry also weighed in, criticizing Malimali’s appointment to FICAC while she is reportedly under investigation for abuse of office, arguing that it contradicts the rule of law and undermines good governance principles.