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 her meeting with the JSC, she stated to the media that she could no longer work in “that institution.”
Puleiwai explained that her resignation was prompted by reports indicating that Barbara Malimali would remain in her position as FICAC Commissioner. The resignation was effective immediately.
“I have tendered my resignation to the JSC,” Puleiwai confirmed, expressing her reluctance to remain in a workplace where a suspect is present, referring to the new Commissioner Malimali, who had been questioned by investigators upon her arrival at work earlier that day.
When asked about the potential compromise of FICAC’s independence, Puleiwai expressed hope that this was not the case, emphasizing her wish for justice to prevail and the truth to emerge.
She also addressed concerns from Attorney-General Graham Leung regarding the motives behind her investigation into Malimali, stating, “I don’t have any vested interest. The only interest that I have is for the rule of law to be upheld.” She clarified that the complaint against Malimali existed prior to her application and that her goal was to ensure the law was respected.