Newly appointed Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), Barbara Malimali, has come to the defense of her new role, calling criticism from senior politicians “irresponsible.” She clarified that her resignation from the position of chair of the Electoral Commission of Fiji occurred prior to accepting her current position and expressed offense at being labeled a political appointee.
Known for her candid nature, Ms. Malimali addressed one of her critics, Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu, questioning his silence regarding the appointment of convicted murderer Francis Kean as a permanent secretary and Commissioner of the Corrections Service during the FijiFirst government. Mr. Seruiratu had raised concerns about the selection process leading to Ms. Malimali’s appointment.