The Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), Barbara Malimali, has pledged to review all ongoing investigations involving Cabinet Ministers, including her own case, urging the public to have faith in the investigative process.
On Tuesday, Malimali filed a police report against former acting deputy FICAC Commissioner Francis Pulewai, reiterating her commitment to meticulousness in all matters, regardless of the situation. She confirmed that a stop order had been placed on Pulewai, who had resigned the previous weekend.
While speaking to the media outside the courthouse on Wednesday, following the restriction of media access to FICAC’s premises, Malimali stated, “I am still acclimating to my new role. It’s important to allow time for these cases to advance and for the processes to unfold.”
Malimali, who began her tenure on September 5, emphasized her determination to examine all cases under FICAC’s jurisdiction.
Since May, the Fijian Elections Office has referred at least eight senior Cabinet Ministers to FICAC regarding allegations of electoral misconduct. Those ministers include:
– Charan Jeath Singh, Minister for Sugar and Multi-Ethnic Affairs
– Biman Prasad, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance
– Lynda Tabuya, Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection
– Manoa Kamikamica, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communication and Trade
– Siromi Turaga, Minister for Justice
– Aseri Radrodro, Minister for Education
– Ifereimi Vasu, Minister for iTaukei Affairs
Additionally, the FEO referred President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere to FICAC on February 15, as did Opposition Members of Parliament Faiyaz Koya and Semi Koroilavesau.
Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has alleged that both President Katonivere and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka were aware of Malimali’s ongoing investigation by FICAC prior to her appointment. He claims that the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), which recommended her appointment, was informed of this by FICAC on August 30.
Chaudhry indicated that evidence exists showing communications were delivered to the President and Prime Minister regarding the investigation into Malimali for potential misuse of power. He criticized attempts to obscure the situation, asserting that it should not be dismissed to shield those implicated.
Savena Narube, leader of the Unity Fiji party and former Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji, expressed concern regarding the appointment process of Malimali. He recommended suspending her position until an inquiry is completed to maintain public trust and accountability within FICAC.
Narube cautioned that failure to address the situation could mirror past administrations that misused FICAC for political gains. He insisted that immediate action is necessary to preserve credibility in combating corruption at higher levels within Fiji.