The Fiji Labour Party asserts that allowing Barbara Malimali to take office as head of FICAC while she is under investigation would be a serious miscarriage of justice. In a recent statement, the party leader and former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry emphasized that Malimali should resign from her position as Commissioner of FICAC until the allegations of abuse of office against her are thoroughly examined by independent and impartial authorities. Chaudhry highlighted that Malimali is currently under arrest and being interrogated.
He also raised concerns regarding Attorney General Graham Leung, pointing out the close ties between him and Malimali. Chaudhry mentioned that in April 2024, Malimali, while serving as the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, had recommended Leung as the Supervisor of Elections to succeed Ana Mataiciwa, who was then acting in that role.
Chaudhry further noted that Malimali’s position as head of FICAC becomes increasingly questionable given her previous role in court as legal counsel for Jason Zong, who has been charged by FICAC with bribery.