Francis Puleiwai, the acting Deputy Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), submitted her resignation to the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) on Monday. Following a meeting with the JSC, Puleiwai expressed to the media her inability to continue working in the institution amidst concerns surrounding the new FICAC Commissioner, Barbara Malimali.
Puleiwai indicated her decision was influenced by media reports suggesting that Malimali would retain her position despite being questioned by investigators earlier that day. Her resignation became effective immediately.
“I have tendered my resignation to the JSC,” stated Puleiwai. “Unfortunately, I will not be able to work in that institution when we know that a suspect is there.”
In response to questions regarding whether she felt the independence of FICAC had been compromised, Puleiwai expressed hope that it had not, wishing for justice to prevail in the ongoing situation.
Puleiwai also addressed concerns raised by Attorney-General Graham Leung regarding the motivations behind her investigation of Malimali, emphasizing her commitment to upholding the rule of law. “I don’t have any vested interest. The only interest that I have is for the rule of law to be upheld. The complaint was there before I even applied. I was merely doing that today,” she remarked.