Fiji’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner Barbara Malimali has committed to reviewing all investigations involving Cabinet Ministers, including her own, and has urged the public to have faith in the process.
On Tuesday, Malimali filed a complaint with the police against former acting deputy FICAC Commissioner Francis Pulewai, emphasizing her commitment to due diligence in all cases. She noted that FICAC had issued a stop order for Pulewai; however, she had already departed prior to her resignation.
Speaking to the media outside the court, Malimali acknowledged that she was still acclimating to her new role, which began on September 5. “We’re getting ahead of ourselves. I have just been there for a couple of days,” she remarked, assuring that the cases are advancing and that the relevant processes will unfold.
As of May, the Fijian Elections Office had referred at least eight high-ranking Cabinet Ministers to FICAC for alleged electoral violations. The individuals include Charan Jeath Singh, Biman Prasad, Lynda Tabuya, Manoa Kamikamica, Siromi Turaga, Aseri Radrodro, and Ifereimi Vasu. Additionally, the FEO had referred President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere in mid-February, along with Opposition MPs 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 investigation prior to her appointment. The Judicial Services Commission (JSC), which recommended Malimali to the President, is led by Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo. Despite multiple inquiries, the JSC has not yet responded to requests for comments.
Chaudhry claims to have evidence indicating that FICAC had communicated with the President and Prime Minister about the investigation into Malimali for alleged abuse of office. He criticized the handling of the situation, asserting that it should not be overlooked to shield the involved parties from scrutiny.
Moreover, Savenca Narube, leader of the Unity Fiji party and former Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji, emphasized that the primary concern should be the integrity of the process rather than Malimali herself. He suggested that the JSC should suspend her appointment until the inquiry concludes to prevent any further confusion. Narube warned that failing to act could undermine public trust in FICAC’s ability to tackle corruption, particularly at high levels in the government, and called for immediate action.