The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has submitted a case involving its Commissioner, Barbara Malimali, to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for further evaluation. This case relates to allegations of Abuse of Office against Malimali stemming from her previous role as the Electoral Chair with the Electoral Commission of Fiji.
Additionally, FICAC has announced the closure of five cases that were initially referred by the Supervisor of Elections earlier this year. The Supervisor was informed of the closures on July 24, 2024.
The cases that have been closed include:
– Allegations of corrupt practices related to false declarations by the FijiFirst Party, specifically against the Fiji First Australia Association Incorporated, Mr. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and Tito Bainimarama.
– A complaint against Mr. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Mr. Mohammed Saneem involving collusion and conflict of interest, as well as a complaint against Mr. Arif Ali for donating $10,000 to the FijiFirst Party while being a civil servant.
– Complaints against His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Fiji, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, Mr. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and Mr. Charan Jeath Singh.
– A complaint against Mr. Voreqe Bainimarama for submitting false declarations of income, assets, and liabilities for the years 2014 to 2019 and 2022.
– A complaint against Mr. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum for failing to declare overseas travel allowances.
Regarding other matters referred by the Supervisor of Elections, FICAC stated that investigations are ongoing and they will withhold comments until the investigations are complete. FICAC emphasized that the Commission continues to operate normally and that all processes and procedures remain unchanged, handling every complaint with the necessary scrutiny, regardless of the person involved.