A leaked document associated with the Commission of Inquiry (COI) has raised serious allegations against Barbara Malimali, the commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). The document suggests that her actions regarding former commissioner Frances Puleiwai may constitute an abuse of power, specifically related to a “false” stop departure order (SDO) that was allegedly signed without a valid investigation.
The inquiry reportedly found that Malimali personally filed a complaint against Puleiwai, after which she approved the SDO, misleadingly suggesting that an investigation was underway when it had not yet commenced. This action is claimed to violate section 13(1)(e) of the FICAC Act, marking it as illegal and indicative of a breach of duty.
Furthermore, the inquiry’s findings indicate that Malimali’s actions were not just procedural errors but rather an arbitrary exercise of power to target an individual she perceived as an adversary. This revelation has stirred discussions about political influence and governance within FICAC, especially as her claims of the agency being “weaponized” under the previous FijiFirst government may now seem hypocritical.
In a supplementary commentary, Malimali claimed her motives stemmed from concerns about serious accusations made by Puleiwai, stating that those making allegations should face her directly. Yet, the report suggests that she may have obstructed investigations by instructing officials not to pursue the complaint further, asserting that it was already being managed by law enforcement.
The inquiry highlights broader challenges surrounding the FICAC’s credibility, particularly regarding the independence of its processes and the integrity of its leaders. Calls for an independent review of all related cases are growing as stakeholders advocate for increased transparency and accountability in Fiji’s governance.
Underlying this situation is an opportunity for reform within Fiji’s political landscape. Stakeholders are hopeful that, despite the controversies surrounding FICAC’s leadership, this inquiry may catalyze necessary changes and restore public confidence in the nation’s efforts to combat corruption and uphold ethical governance standards.
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