The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has sent the case involving its commissioner Barbara Malimali to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) for additional evaluation. This action follows allegations of abuse of office against Malimali, which occurred during her time as chair of the Electoral Commission of Fiji (ECF).
Last week, Malimali stated that she was unaware of an ongoing investigation against her until investigators conducted a raid at the Electoral Commission’s office on September 3. She noted that she also did not have prior notice about being detained and questioned when she reported to FICAC on September 5.
FICAC has confirmed that five cases referred by the Supervisor of Elections earlier this year have been closed, with the closure communicated to the Supervisor on July 24, 2024. These cases involved alleged corrupt practices related to false declarations by the FijiFirst party, specifically targeting the FijiFirst Australia Association Incorporated, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and Tito Bainimarama.
Additional complaints included allegations of collusion and conflict of interest involving Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Mohammed Saneem, along with Arif Ali’s $10,000 donation to the FijiFirst party while serving as a civil servant, and other complaints against President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and Charan Jeath Singh.
The complaints also covered Voreqe Bainimarama for inaccurate declarations of income, assets, and liabilities from 2014 to 2019 and 2022, as well as Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum for failing to declare overseas travel allowances.
FICAC stated that they are continuing to process all complaints thoroughly, maintaining that their operations are proceeding as usual without any changes to procedures. They emphasized that all complaints are handled with appropriate scrutiny, regardless of the individuals involved.
In the meantime, Fiji Labour Party (FLP) leader Mahendra Chaudhry has called for Malimali to step down to allow the inquiry suggested by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to proceed effectively without obstruction. Chaudhry reacted to Rabuka’s statement that an inquiry is necessary to address concerns regarding Malimali’s appointment as Commissioner of FICAC. He urged the Prime Minister to expedite the establishment of the inquiry and stressed the importance of its independence, suggesting that the inquiry should consist of members with no connections to any of those involved in the matter.