The Fiji Labour Party has criticized Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka for publicly discussing the legitimacy of Barbara Malimali’s appointment as Commissioner of FICAC before an inquiry has taken place.
In a statement, the Labour Party claimed that Malimali’s appointment was unlawful as she was under investigation by FICAC at the time. They asserted that the Judicial Services Commission acted improperly in appointing her without the necessary clearance from FICAC.
FLP Leader Mahendra Chaudhry described the assertion that her appointment was lawful as misleading. He expressed concerns about the circumstances surrounding Malimali’s appointment and the motivations of those who facilitated it, particularly in light of the resignation of Francis Puleiwai, the Deputy Commissioner.
Chaudhry suggested that the timing of the appointment appeared to undermine the work of an independent authority and may have been an attempt to prevent the imminent arrest of Professor Biman Prasad on multiple allegations of submitting false financial records to the Registrar of Political Parties as per the Political Parties Act.
The former Prime Minister raised concerns about the Prime Minister’s comments regarding the discussion of the inquiry’s terms of reference and appointments in the upcoming Cabinet meeting. He emphasized that some Cabinet Ministers are currently under investigation by FICAC due to complaints from the Registrar of Political Parties, creating a notable conflict of interest.
Chaudhry questioned whether these ministers should be allowed to influence the direction of the inquiry or the selection of those appointed to it.
Additionally, the FLP noted that the Prime Minister has promised Puleiwai’s reinstatement if she returns to Fiji to participate in the inquiry. While acknowledging that her involvement is essential for the success of the investigation, Chaudhry highlighted that the Prime Minister cannot make such assurances without the support of his ministers and other governmental entities involved.