The Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), Barbara Malimali, has filed a police complaint against former acting deputy commissioner Francis Pulewai. Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew confirmed the development last night.
The complaint focuses on allegations of abuse of office, as it is claimed that Pulewai overstepped her authority while serving as acting commissioner. Malimali was taken into custody at FICAC headquarters on her first day, September 5, leading to what has been labeled the “Barbara-Gate” controversy, which has garnered political attention, including comments from Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka suggesting the possibility of a Board of Inquiry over the weekend.
Attempts to reach Malimali for comment were unsuccessful before publication. Meanwhile, Pulewai stated she had not been informed of the complaint and had departed for Australia following her resignation. Last week, Prime Minister Rabuka noted that he had yet to receive an official resignation letter from Malimali. However, he later confirmed her resignation from her position as Chair of the Electoral Commission via his Facebook page on September 14 and indicated her appointment as the new FICAC Commissioner.
In response, Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica criticized the previous government’s alleged political influence over FICAC but denied that such influence extends to the current Coalition Government. He acknowledged past issues within FICAC and supported the Prime Minister’s decision to investigate the agency’s operations over the past eight years.
Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu backed the call for an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Malimali’s appointment and potential interference, deeming it essential for good governance. Fiji Law Society President Wylie Clarke remarked that the decision to proceed with an inquiry lies entirely with the Prime Minister.