Seven days after her appointment, newly appointed FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali addressed critics who questioned her selection. In an interview, she stated that due process was followed prior to her assuming the role on September 5.
“I believe that the situation has been exaggerated, and for that reason, I chose not to comment initially,” Ms. Malimali said. She clarified that she resigned from her position as chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Fiji on September 3 before starting her new role at FICAC.
“There was no overlap, and all necessary procedures were adhered to,” she emphasized. Ms. Malimali criticized comments made by Leader of the Opposition Inia Seruiratu and former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry regarding the selection process conducted by the Judicial Services Commission, labeling their statements as irresponsible.
She pointed out that Mr. Seruiratu should have questioned the appointment of former Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner Francis Kean, who was convicted of murder in 2006. “As for Hon. Seruiratu, maybe he should inquire about Mr. Francis Kean’s role as Commissioner of Prisons,” she said, mentioning Mr. Kean’s past conviction and subsequent jail time.
“It is irresponsible for the Leader of the Opposition and Mr. Chaudhry to question the integrity of the Acting Chief Justice and the members of the JSC. They should reflect on their own actions following 2006,” she added.
In response, Mr. Seruiratu urged Ms. Malimali not to stray from the core issue. “I want to remind Ms. Malimali that I, as the former Defence Minister, was not involved in the appointment of the Corrections Commissioner at that time. I joined the COC only after assuming the role of Leader of the Opposition,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Mr. Chaudhry issued a statement arguing that Ms. Malimali’s appointment as FICAC Commissioner while under investigation for alleged abuse of office contradicts the rule of law and undermines principles of good governance.