Investigations into Barbara Malimali, the commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), began before the position was officially advertised, according to Francis Puleiwai, a former acting deputy commissioner of FICAC. Puleiwai clarified that there was a misunderstanding regarding events that occurred on September 5, 2024, the day Malimali commenced her role.
“It’s unfortunate that the very people or the very system that we were hoping to uphold the rule of law are the ones looking for a way out, and I would say want to throw me under the bus,” Puleiwai stated in an interview with ABC News.
Puleiwai indicated that a complaint had been filed against Malimali, which led to an assessment and subsequent investigation. She pointed out that the Attorney-General suggested she authorized Malimali’s arrest, but claimed that there was a lack of understanding from the Attorney-General and the Judicial Services Commission regarding the reasons behind the arrest.
“As part of the process for handling suspects, Ms. Malimali was considered a suspect at that time and was invited for a caution interview, which is customary in Fiji. When she refused to comply, FICAC investigators were authorized to arrest her,” she explained.
Puleiwai noted that the arrest occurred in the morning as anticipated. She also highlighted that there had been two previous advertisements for the commissioner position before the events of September 5, 2024, which she felt were being manipulated to paint her as bitter and misrepresent her actions as improper.
She maintained that her actions were simply in line with her responsibilities as deputy commissioner. Puleiwai also mentioned that she was unaware of Malimali’s application for the commissioner role when a complaint against her was lodged.
She criticized the Judicial Services Commission for failing to conduct proper due diligence in Malimali’s appointment. Attorney-General Graham Leung responded to Puleiwai’s comments, stating that she was entitled to her perspective and confirmed that the Judicial Services Commission adhered to the appointment process outlined in the FICAC Act.