The head of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), Barbara Malimali, will not be required to resign during the ongoing Commission of Inquiry into her appointment, according to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
In an interview outside Parliament, Rabuka explained that Malimali is not obligated to step down unless she faces formal charges. This statement comes in response to former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry’s calls for Malimali to “step aside” to ensure the inquiry’s transparency and integrity. Chaudhry emphasized the necessity of accountability in the matter.
Malimali’s appointment as FICAC Commissioner on September 4 has sparked controversy since she is currently under investigation by the agency she now leads. Rabuka remarked that Malimali should voluntarily resign if the inquiry determines that her involvement hampers the investigation. He expressed that as a senior lawyer, she should act in the best interests of all parties involved.
The Prime Minister described the inquiry as an essential and impartial way to address the allegations. His comments align with allegations made by former Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC, Francis Puleiwai, who accused current ministers of interfering in FICAC investigations. Puleiwai also noted that the Judicial Services Commission (JDC), which recommends candidates, failed to consult her regarding Malimali’s ongoing investigation prior to making its recommendation.
Rabuka stressed the urgency of the inquiry, stating that it should address all relevant areas and terms of reference. Chaudhry also highlighted the urgency, asserting that if the inquiry uncovers that the process was manipulated to achieve a predetermined outcome, it must be discarded. He emphasized the necessity for independent bodies to function transparently in order to maintain public trust, insisting that there should be no exceptions to this principle of good governance.
In relation to a separate issue regarding an alleged sexual harassment complaint against former Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office, Pita Wise, Rabuka indicated that further action would depend on the complainant’s choice. Wise resigned last week, citing personal reasons.