Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has stated that Barbara Malimali, the newly appointed Commissioner for the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption, will not be required to step down while investigations are ongoing. In a media briefing, Rabuka clarified that the investigation is unrelated to her appointment, asserting, “No, she does not need to… It’s got nothing to do with her appointment.” He added that the matter is currently being handled by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), which is a separate issue.
“If she did something, she needs to front up,” Rabuka remarked. The Office of the DPP has forwarded Malimali’s investigation file to the Director of the Criminal Investigations Department to finalize the inquiry. This decision followed consultations between Acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva and Deputy DPP John Rabuku, who was assigned to the case.
They determined that the investigation was insufficiently complete, prompting the file’s transfer to the CID for further examination. The ODPP has indicated that more information will be provided after the review and the investigation file are returned to them for additional action.
In terms of background, Malimali is under investigation for alleged abuse of office, with the complaint related to her actions during her previous role as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission.