A petition seeking the removal of Barbara Malimali from her position as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has attracted over 100 signatures.
Initiated by Alexandra Forwood on change.org, the petition aims to persuade Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to engage with President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere about terminating Ms. Malimali’s appointment. Forwood asserts that Ms. Malimali’s selection occurred under questionable circumstances, noting that she was under investigation by FICAC prior to becoming its chief.
Forwood has also called for potential charges against Ms. Malimali for alleged abuse of office. “We humbly request you sign our petition,” she stated.
In response, Ms. Malimali expressed that everyone is entitled to their opinion regarding her appointment, acknowledging the freedom of expression in the country.
The push for changes in FICAC’s leadership comes alongside significant political figures, such as Savenaca Narube and former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, condemning Ms. Malimali’s appointment and urging Mr. Rabuka to address what they describe as “abuse of power” within the commission.
The controversy has been fueled by a leaked FICAC letter detailing charges against Finance Minister Biman Prasad. Prasad was expected to face charges two weeks ago for not declaring all his assets, income, and liabilities before the last election, just days before Ms. Malimali’s appointment as FICAC Commissioner.
Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC, Francis Puleiwai, currently in Australia, has labeled the delay in the charges as “sad.”
Alexandra Forwood, the petition’s originator, is a former resident of Fiji who now resides in Australia. Her adoptive father spent over 40 years working and living in Fiji and married an iTaukei woman. She has been an outspoken critic of various political issues in Fiji.