Yesterday marked a significant and tumultuous day in Fiji, beginning with the arrest of Barbara Malimali, the newly appointed commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), and culminating in the sudden resignation of acting Deputy Commissioner Francis Puleiwai.
The controversy surrounding Ms. Malimali’s appointment intensified when Ms. Puleiwai confirmed to reporters that a raid was carried out at the Electoral Commission office on Tuesday. Ms. Malimali, who was serving as the Electoral Commissioner, had not officially resigned prior to the announcement of the raid and her upcoming role as the head of FICAC.
The situation escalated further as FICAC confirmed that they had arrested their own chief. Attorney-General Graham Leung later held a press conference expressing his concerns over the circumstances, suggesting that someone who had applied for the commissioner position had been involved in the arrest. He advised the media to “do the math” themselves, refraining from making any direct conclusions.
Leung also expressed his belief that FICAC required a major reset, citing the agency’s substantial budget and ongoing questions regarding its neutrality. The appointment of the FICAC commissioner is made by the President based on recommendations from the Judicial Services Commission.