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’s resignation is not necessary unless she faces formal charges.
Rabuka’s clarification comes in response to former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry’s calls for Malimali to “step aside” to preserve the inquiry’s transparency and integrity. Chaudhry emphasized the need for accountability in this situation, stating, “There is no two ways about it.”
Malimali’s appointment as FICAC Commissioner on September 4 has raised concerns, as she is under investigation by the very agency she now heads. However, Rabuka indicated that Malimali should consider resigning voluntarily if her continued role is found to obstruct the inquiry. “As a senior lawyer, she should know what’s in the best interest of everyone,” he remarked.
The Prime Minister characterized the inquiry as a crucial and impartial method to investigate the allegations. These comments followed serious claims from former Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC, Francis Puleiwai, who asserted that there has been ministerial interference in FICAC’s investigations. Puleiwai also noted that the Judicial Services Commission (JDC), responsible for recommending candidates, did not consult her regarding Malimali’s ongoing investigation prior to their recommendation.
Rabuka stressed the urgent nature of the inquiry, emphasizing that it must be thorough and encompass all relevant areas and terms of reference. Chaudhry supported this urgency, warning that if it is revealed that the inquiry process was compromised for a predetermined outcome, “it must be trashed.” He underscored the importance of independent offices functioning transparently to uphold public trust, stating, “There should be no exceptions to this rule of good governance.”
On the matter of a sexual harassment complaint against former Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office, Pita Wise, Rabuka said further actions would be contingent upon the complainant’s choices. Wise resigned last week citing personal reasons.