The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has handed over a case involving its commissioner, Barbara Malimali, to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) for further evaluation. This action follows a complaint regarding alleged abuse of office by Ms. Malimali during her time as chair of the Electoral Commission of Fiji (ECF).
Ms. Malimali stated last week that she was unaware of any active investigations into her until a raid took place at the Electoral Commission’s office by investigators on September 3. She also mentioned that she was not informed about her detention and questioning when she reported to work at FICAC on September 5.
FICAC has confirmed the closure of five cases referred by the Supervisor of Elections earlier this year, with the closure notification sent on July 24, 2024. The closed cases included allegations of corrupt practices related to false declarations by the FijiFirst party, implicating the FijiFirst Australia Association Incorporated, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and one Tito Bainimarama.
Further allegations involved Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Mohammed Saneem for collusion and conflict of interest, and Arif Ali for donating $10,000 to the FijiFirst party while being a civil servant. There were also complaints against President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and Charan Jeath Singh, as well as Voreqe Bainimarama for submitting false income and assets declarations from 2014 to 2019 and 2022, and another complaint against Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum for failing to declare his overseas travel allowance.
FICAC stated that other matters referred by the Supervisor of Elections are ongoing and that they would refrain from making further comments until the investigations are completed. The Commission emphasized that it continues to operate normally, handling every complaint with due scrutiny, regardless of the individuals involved.
In related developments, Fiji Labour Party (FLP) leader Mahendra Chaudhry has called for Ms. Malimali to step down to ensure the inquiry proposed by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka can proceed without obstruction. He responded to Mr. Rabuka’s statement about the necessity of an inquiry due to concerns regarding Ms. Malimali’s appointment as FICAC Commissioner. Mr. Chaudhry urged the Prime Minister to prioritize the establishment of this inquiry, emphasizing the importance of its independence, with members who have no prior connections to any parties involved.