Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner Barbara Malimali confirmed she will review all FICAC investigations involving Cabinet Ministers, including her own case, and urged the public to have faith in the legal process.
On Tuesday, Ms. Malimali filed a police report against former acting Deputy FICAC Commissioner Francis Pulewai and emphasized her commitment to due diligence regardless of the case. She noted that FICAC had issued a stop order for Ms. Pulewai, who had already departed following her resignation.
When approached at the court grounds, Ms. Malimali stated her transition into her role, which began on September 5, is still ongoing. “We’re getting ahead of ourselves. I have just been there for a couple of days,” she remarked. She expressed confidence that the various cases are moving forward and emphasized the importance of allowing the processes to unfold.
As of May, the Fijian Elections Office had referred at least eight senior Cabinet ministers to FICAC for alleged electoral violations. The ministers involved include:
– Charan Jeath Singh, Minister for Sugar and Multi-Ethnic Affairs
– Biman Prasad, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance
– Lynda Tabuya, Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection
– Manoa Kamikamica, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communication and Trade
– Siromi Turaga, Minister for Justice
– Aseri Radrodro, Minister for Education
– Ifereimi Vasu, Minister for iTaukei Affairs
Additionally, the FEO had referred President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere on February 15. Opposition MPs Faiyaz Koya and Semi Koroilavesau were also mentioned in the allegations.
Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry claimed both President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka were informed about Malimali’s FICAC investigation before her appointment as Commissioner. He stated that evidence exists showing that FICAC had notified the President and Prime Minister on August 30 about their investigation into Malimali for alleged abuse of office.
On September 3, the President’s office reportedly responded, indicating a need for legal advice and consultations regarding the matter. Chaudhry accused the current administration of attempting to obscure the issue with irrelevant details to mislead the public.
Savenca Narube, leader of the Unity Fiji party and former Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji, expressed concern over the process used to appoint Ms. Malimali. He urged the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) to suspend her appointment until the investigation was completed to ensure transparency and accountability, warning that failure to act could lead to ongoing public distrust in FICAC’s integrity.