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 discussion outside Parliament, Rabuka clarified that Malimali is not obligated to step down unless formal charges are brought against her. His comments came after former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry expressed that Malimali should “step aside” to maintain the transparency and integrity of the inquiry.
Chaudhry emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “There is no two ways about it.” Malimali’s controversial appointment as FICAC Commissioner on September 4 has raised concerns since she is currently under investigation by the very agency she leads.
Rabuka suggested that Malimali should consider stepping down voluntarily if the inquiry determines that her continued presence is detrimental to the investigation. “As a senior lawyer, she should know what’s in the best interest of everyone,” the Prime Minister stated.
The Prime Minister underscored the inquiry as a necessary and impartial way to address the allegations against Malimali. His remarks followed claims made by former Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC, Francis Puleiwai, who accused current ministers of interfering with FICAC investigations.
Puleiwai also pointed out that the Judicial Services Commission (JDC), which puts forward recommendations for candidates, did not consult her regarding Malimali’s ongoing investigation prior to making the 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 concurred, arguing that if the inquiry finds that the process was undermined to achieve a predetermined outcome, “it must be trashed.”
He further stressed the importance of independent offices functioning transparently to maintain public confidence, insisting that “there should be no exceptions to this rule of good governance.”
In relation to a separate issue involving a sexual harassment complaint against Pita Wise, the former Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office, Rabuka indicated that any further action would depend on the complainant’s choice. Wise resigned from his position last week, citing personal reasons.