FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali stated she was unaware of an ongoing investigation against her until a raid occurred at the Electoral Commission’s office on September 3, related to alleged abuse of office. Malimali reported for work on September 5 without prior knowledge that she would be detained and questioned.
“I would have cooperated with their investigation if they had informed me,” she remarked, expressing disappointment over the way events unfolded on her first day at work. She maintained that the allegations against her were unfounded and that she acted in her capacity as chair of the Electoral Commission.
Malimali added that she had not had prior communication with former FICAC acting deputy commissioner Francis Puleiwai, who had authorized the raid and her subsequent arrest, and emphasized that she was not aware of any ongoing investigation against her. She noted she would not involve herself in matters regarding active investigations pertaining to her case.