Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has indicated the possibility of establishing an independent board of inquiry to investigate the controversy surrounding the appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). This decision will rely on the advice of his advisers, both within and outside the cabinet.
Malimali’s appointment has been met with significant criticism, particularly as it coincided with an investigation she was facing in her former role as chairperson of the Electoral Commission. Furthermore, political and legal analysts have raised concerns about the timing of her appointment, especially since Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad was set to face charges from the corruption watchdog.
Francis Pulewai, the former Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC, confirmed that a formal notification regarding charges against Prasad was sent to the Prime Minister and Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga just a day prior to Malimali’s appointment. Prasad is accused of failing to declare all his assets, income, and liabilities before the last election, although these charges have been suspended since Malimali’s appointment.
Rabuka has previously stated that any cabinet minister facing charges will be moved to the backbench, as was the case for former Minister for Fisheries, Kalaveti Ravu. Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has urged Rabuka to take action to safeguard the integrity and independence of FICAC.
As the chair of the Constitutional Offices Commission, Rabuka is still awaiting Malimali’s resignation letter from the Electoral Commission, despite her FICAC appointment taking place ten days ago. When questioned about the potential for an independent board of inquiry or tribunal to address the criticisms surrounding Malimali’s appointment, Rabuka stated, “If it is allowed for, then we will go ahead,” adding that he would consider consulting outside of the cabinet if necessary.
In the meantime, a petition calling for Malimali’s removal is circulating as concerns about her appointment continue to escalate.