The recent appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has been criticized by Senior Opposition MP Jone Usamate, who described the situation as inappropriate and concerning. While Usamate expressed no personal issues with Malimali, he emphasized the importance of having qualified individuals in significant roles.
Usamate raised questions about the integrity of the hiring process, suggesting that the principles of transparency and accountability seem to have been overlooked. He noted that the Constitutional Offices Commission (COC) usually relies on an independent review team to assess candidates, prompting him to inquire whether the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) followed similar protocols in Malimali’s appointment.
Additionally, Usamate questioned whether the Office of the President conducted adequate due diligence regarding Malimali’s background, highlighting that she had been under investigation—a factor that he believes should have delayed her appointment. He also asked whether the COC received her resignation from the Electoral Commission and whether she had fulfilled the required notice period before taking on the new role.
Usamate further criticized the lack of transparency surrounding a decision to not pursue formal charges against Biman Prasad, calling this a serious abuse of office that warrants an independent investigation, potentially led by law enforcement.
He underscored the necessity of good governance as the cornerstone of an effective government, expressing concern over comments made by the Minister of Justice, who referred to investigations involving Cabinet Ministers as “acts of malice.” This raised further questions about the equity of the investigative processes in Fiji, prompting Usamate to challenge the notion that some individuals are above scrutiny.