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 a statement made outside Parliament, Rabuka explained that Malimali is only obligated to step down if she faces formal charges.
This clarification comes after former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry urged Malimali to “step aside” to maintain the inquiry’s transparency and integrity. Chaudhry emphasized the importance of accountability in the situation.
Malimali’s appointment as FICAC Commissioner on September 4 has been contentious, given that she was already being investigated by the agency she now leads. Rabuka suggested that Malimali might consider resigning voluntarily if her continued presence hinders the investigation.
“As a senior lawyer, she should know what is best for everyone involved,” Rabuka remarked. He asserted that the inquiry would serve as an impartial means to address the allegations raised.
These comments were made following accusations from former Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC, Francis Puleiwai, who claimed that there has been ministerial interference in FICAC investigations. Puleiwai also indicated that the Judicial Services Commission did not consult with her regarding Malimali’s ongoing investigation before making its recommendation for her appointment.
Rabuka stated that the inquiry is of urgent necessity and must cover all pertinent aspects and terms of reference.
Chaudhry echoed this sense of urgency, stating that if the inquiry determines that the process was compromised to achieve a predetermined outcome, it should be dismissed entirely. He stressed the need for transparency within independent offices to uphold public trust, declaring that there should be no exceptions to the principles of good governance.
In a separate matter, Prime Minister Rabuka commented on an alleged sexual harassment complaint against former Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office, Pita Wise, noting that any further actions would depend on the complaint filed. Wise had resigned the previous week, citing personal reasons.