Fiji’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner Barbara Malimali has pledged to review all investigations involving Cabinet Ministers, including her own case, and urged the public to trust the process.
On Tuesday, Malimali filed a police complaint against Francis Pulewai, the former acting deputy FICAC Commissioner. She stated that she is committed to conducting thorough investigations, regardless of the nature of the cases.
Malimali confirmed that FICAC had issued a stop order for Pulewai, who had resigned the previous weekend. Speaking to reporters outside the court yesterday, Malimali remarked, “I am still familiarizing myself with the role,” referring to her recent appointment that took effect on September 5. She emphasized the importance of allowing the cases to proceed appropriately, saying, “Whatever cases FICAC has, I will review them.”
As of May, the Fijian Elections Office had referred at least eight senior Cabinet ministers to FICAC over allegations related to electoral misconduct. The ministers 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, President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere was referred for investigation on February 15, along with opposition MPs Faiyaz Koya and Semi Koroilavesau.
Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has alleged that both President Katonivere and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka were aware of the investigation into Malimali before her appointment as Commissioner. The Judicial Services Commission (JSC), which recommended her appointment, is led by Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo. Despite repeated inquiries, no response has been received from the JSC.
Chaudhry claimed that FICAC had informed the President and Prime Minister about the investigation regarding Malimali’s alleged abuse of office on August 30, with the President’s office responding on September 3. He accused the government of attempting to obscure the issue with irrelevant information.
Savendra Narube, leader of the Unity Fiji party and former Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji, expressed concerns about the processes in place. He suggested that the JSC should suspend Malimali’s appointment until an inquiry is completed, warning that failing to address this issue could lead to public distrust in FICAC’s accountability and transparency. Narube emphasized the need for immediate action to preserve the integrity of anti-corruption efforts in Fiji.