The Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), Barbara Malimali, has filed a police complaint against the former acting deputy commissioner, Francis Pulewai. Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew confirmed the complaint, which involves allegations of abuse of office. These allegations center on claims that Pulewai overstepped her authority while serving in the acting role.
Malimali was arrested and held at FICAC headquarters on her first day in the position on September 5. The incident has sparked significant political controversy, leading to discussions about a potential Board of Inquiry, as suggested by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka over the weekend.
Attempts to reach Malimali for comment were unsuccessful by the time of reporting. Pulewai stated that she had not been informed of the complaint and noted that she left for Australia the week following her resignation. Prime Minister Rabuka mentioned that he has not yet received a formal resignation letter from Malimali; however, he later confirmed on Facebook that she had indeed resigned as Chair of the Electoral Commission and is now serving as the FICAC Commissioner.
In response to the situation, Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica alleged that FICAC had functioned under political influence during the previous administration, but he denied that the current Coalition Government would follow the same path. He supported the Prime Minister’s call for an inquiry into the operations of FICAC, emphasizing the need to address its past conduct over the last eight years.
Opposition leaders also weighed in, with Ioane Naivalurua, leader of the G9 crossbenchers, highlighting the importance of the inquiry for promoting good governance. Inia Seruiratu, the leader of the opposition, urged Rabuka to proceed with the investigation related to Malimali’s appointment and potential political interference.
Fiji Law Society president Wylie Clarke remarked that the decision to pursue the inquiry ultimately rests with the Prime Minister.