After a week in her new role, FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali has addressed the criticism surrounding her appointment. In an interview, she stated that all proper procedures were followed before she took office on September 5.
“I believe the reaction has been exaggerated, so I chose to remain silent initially,” Ms. Malimali commented. She clarified that she resigned from her prior position as chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Fiji on September 3, ensuring no overlap occurred.
Ms. Malimali pointed out that criticisms from Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu and former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry regarding her selection process by the Judicial Services Commission were reckless. She specifically called out Mr. Seruiratu for his comments, noting that he had not spoken out against the appointment of Francis Kean, the former Fiji Corrections Service commissioner who was convicted of murder in 2006.
“Perhaps Mr. Seruiratu should be questioned about Mr. Kean’s role as Commissioner of Prisons. Did he voice any concerns over that appointment given Mr. Kean’s sentence of 18 months in 2007 for killing John Whippy?” she stated.
She further criticized both Mr. Seruiratu and Mr. Chaudhry for questioning the integrity of the Acting Chief Justice and Judicial Services Commission members, suggesting they reflect on their own actions since 2006.
In response, Mr. Seruiratu urged Ms. Malimali to stay focused on the current issue rather than diverting the conversation. “As the former Defence Minister, I had no role in the appointment of the Corrections Commissioner at that time,” he remarked, adding that he became part of the Committee of the Council only after assuming his current role as Leader of the Opposition.
Additionally, Mr. Chaudhry issued a statement asserting that Ms. Malimali’s appointment as FICAC Commissioner, while she is under investigation for abuse of office, violates the rule of law and jeopardizes good governance principles.