Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has suggested the possibility of establishing an independent board of inquiry to examine the concerns surrounding the appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). However, the Prime Minister indicated that this decision would depend on the advice he receives from both his cabinet advisors and external consultants.
Ms. Malimali’s appointment has faced significant criticism, particularly because she is currently under investigation by FICAC in her capacity as chairperson of the Electoral Commission. Legal and political experts have raised concerns about the timing of her appointment, which coincides with Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad facing charges from the corruption watchdog.
Francis Pulewai, the former Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC, confirmed that a formal notification to charge Mr. Prasad was sent to the Prime Minister and the Minister for Justice, Siromi Turaga, just one day prior to Ms. Malimali’s appointment. The charges against Mr. Prasad relate to allegations of failing to declare his assets, income, and liabilities before the last election, and these charges have been postponed since Ms. Malimali took office.
Previously, Mr. Rabuka stated that any cabinet minister facing charges would be moved to the backbench, similar to the former Minister for Fisheries, Kalaveti Ravu. Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has urged Mr. Rabuka to intervene to maintain the integrity and independence of FICAC.
As the chair of the Constitutional Offices Commission, Mr. Rabuka has not yet received Ms. Malimali’s resignation letter from the Electoral Commission, ten days after her appointment to FICAC. When questioned about the possibility of creating an independent board of inquiry or tribunal to tackle concerns about undermining FICAC’s independence, Mr. Rabuka stated, “If it is allowed for, then we will go ahead.” He added, “I will need to be advised or if I may have to consult outside of the ambit of cabinet then I will do so.”
Meanwhile, a petition seeking Ms. Malimali’s removal is gaining momentum as the situation surrounding her appointment continues to escalate.