The head of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) 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 Barbara Malimali does not need to step down unless she faces formal charges. His response addresses calls from former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, who suggested that Malimali should “step aside” to ensure the inquiry’s integrity and transparency. Chaudhry emphasized the importance of accountability in these matters.
Malimali’s appointment as FICAC Commissioner on September 4 has sparked controversy, particularly due to her being under investigation by the very agency she now leads. Nonetheless, Rabuka mentioned that Malimali should consider stepping down voluntarily if her presence is found to hinder the investigation.
“As a senior lawyer, she should know what’s best for everyone,” the Prime Minister stated. He asserted that the inquiry represents an appropriate and impartial approach to addressing the allegations.
These comments followed claims made by former Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC, Francis Puleiwai, who alleged interference in FICAC investigations by current ministers. Puleiwai also noted that the Judicial Services Commission (JDC), which recommends candidates for positions, did not reach out to her about Malimali’s ongoing investigation prior to making its recommendation.
Rabuka described the inquiry as urgent, stating, “It will have to be urgent, and it will have to cover all those areas and terms of reference.” Chaudhry echoed this sentiment, stating that if the inquiry reveals that the process was tainted to achieve a predetermined outcome, “it must be trashed.”
He highlighted the necessity for independent offices to function transparently to preserve public trust, insisting that “there should be no exceptions to this rule of good governance.”
In relation to a separate allegation of sexual harassment against Pita Wise, the former Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office, Rabuka mentioned that any further action would depend on the decision of the complainant. Wise resigned last week, citing personal reasons.