The leader of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), Barbara Malimali, will not be required to resign during the ongoing Commission of Inquiry regarding her appointment, according to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. In a statement made outside Parliament, Rabuka explained that Malimali is not obligated to step down unless she faces formal charges.
These comments come in response to demands from former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, who argued that Malimali should “step aside” to maintain the inquiry’s transparency and integrity. Chaudhry emphasized the significance of accountability, stating, “There is no two ways about it.”
Malimali’s appointment as the FICAC Commissioner on September 4 has sparked controversy, especially as she was previously under investigation by the agency she now leads. However, Rabuka suggested that she should voluntarily resign if the inquiry determines her presence hinders the investigation, saying, “As a senior lawyer, she should know what’s in the best interest of everyone.”
Rabuka affirmed that the inquiry is the most suitable and impartial way to address the allegations. His statements were prompted by revelations from former Acting Deputy Commissioner Francis Puleiwai, who accused current ministers of interfering in FICAC investigations. Puleiwai also mentioned that the Judicial Services Commission (JDC) did not consult her about Malimali’s active investigation before making its recommendation.
The Prime Minister described the inquiry as urgent, insisting that it must thoroughly cover all relevant areas. Chaudhry supported this urgency, stating that if the inquiry reveals that the process was manipulated to achieve a predetermined outcome, “it must be trashed.” He underscored the necessity for independent offices to function transparently to uphold public confidence, asserting that there should be no exceptions to this principle of good governance.
In a separate matter, concerning an alleged sexual harassment complaint against Pita Wise, the former Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office, Rabuka noted that any further action will depend on the complainant’s wishes. Wise resigned last week citing personal reasons.