Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has suggested the possibility of establishing an independent board of inquiry to examine the controversy surrounding the appointment of Barbara Malimali as the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). The decision will rely on guidance from his advisors, both within and outside of the cabinet.
Malimali’s appointment has faced significant criticism, particularly given that she was under investigation by FICAC in her role as chairperson of the Electoral Commission at the time of her new position. Political and legal experts have raised concerns regarding the timing of her appointment, coinciding with impending charges against Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad from the corruption watchdog.
Francis Pulewai, the former Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC, revealed that a formal notification regarding charges against Mr. Prasad was sent to both the Prime Minister and the Minister for Justice, Siromi Turaga, just a day before Malimali was appointed. Prasad was to face allegations of failing to declare his assets, income, and liabilities prior to the last election. However, those charges have been suspended following Malimali’s appointment.
Previously, Prime Minister Rabuka stated that any cabinet minister facing charges would be moved to the backbench, similar to the situation with former Minister for Fisheries, Kalaveti Ravu. Additionally, former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry urged Rabuka to intervene to uphold the integrity and independence of the institution.
Rabuka, who chairs the Constitutional Offices Commission, has yet to receive Malimali’s resignation letter from the Electoral Commission, ten days after her FICAC appointment. When questioned about the possibility of initiating an independent board of inquiry or tribunal to address the criticisms suggesting an “assault on the independence of FICAC,” Rabuka responded, “If it is allowed for, then we will go ahead,” adding that he would seek advice and potentially consult outside the cabinet.
In the midst of these developments, a petition advocating for Malimali’s removal has also started circulating, reflecting the growing concerns surrounding her appointment.