The Fiji Labour Party has expressed strong concerns regarding the potential appointment of Barbara Malimali as the head of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) while she is currently under investigation. In a statement, party leader and former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry asserted that it would be a severe injustice to allow her to assume the role whilst facing allegations of abuse of office.
Chaudhry emphasized that Malimali should resign from her position as FICAC Commissioner until the investigations into the complaints against her are conducted by independent and unbiased authorities. He pointed out that Malimali had been arrested and was undergoing questioning.
Additionally, Chaudhry raised issues regarding the relationship between Attorney General Graham Leung and Malimali. He noted that in April 2024, Malimali, in her capacity as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, had recommended Leung as Supervisor of Elections to succeed Ana Mataiciwa, who was then acting in the position.
Chaudhry further highlighted the inappropriateness of Malimali’s appointment, given that she had recently appeared in court representing Jason Zong, who has been charged with bribery by FICAC.