The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has referred its Commissioner, Barbara Malimali, to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for further evaluation. FICAC announced that this action pertains to a complaint involving the alleged Abuse of Office by Malimali during her time as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission.
Additionally, FICAC reported that five cases previously referred by the Supervisor of Elections earlier this year have been closed, with notifications sent out on July 24, 2024. The closed cases include accusations of corrupt practices regarding the FijiFirst Party, specifically targeting the Fiji First Australia Association Incorporated, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and Tito Bainimarama.
Other allegations involved Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Mohammed Saneem for collusion, conflict of interest, and Ariff Ali for contributing $10,000 to the FijiFirst Party while serving as a civil servant. Further complaints included those against Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and Charan Jeath Singh. There were also accusations against Voreqe Bainimarama for filing false declarations of income, assets, and liabilities from 2014 to 2019 and 2022, as well as a complaint against Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum for not declaring an overseas travel allowance.
FICAC noted that other investigations referred by the Supervisor of Elections are still ongoing, and the Commission will refrain from commenting until those investigations are complete. FICAC affirmed that operations remain normal, with all processes and procedures continuing as usual, and promised to address each complaint with the attention it warrants, irrespective of the individual’s identity involved.