The Chair of the Judicial Services Commission has requested Barbara Malimali, the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), to take a leave of absence. This measure is aimed at ensuring the smooth progression of a Commission of Inquiry that seeks to investigate matters related to her role. In response to the request, Malimali has voluntarily agreed to take leave to support the inquiry’s integrity and effective conclusion.
This development comes amid ongoing scrutiny surrounding Malimali, who is currently under investigation for allegations of abuse of office during her previous tenure as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission. The inquiry has been a focal point for discussions regarding governance and accountability within Fiji’s judicial systems. Allegations against her surfaced earlier, leading to significant attention towards FICAC’s operations and her connection to other officials, including the Attorney-General.
Concerns about her appointment process and its implications for the independence of FICAC have also been highlighted by political figures, including the leader of the Fiji Labour Party. They argue that allowing her to stay in power while under investigation could undermine public confidence in the integrity of the institution. The Prime Minister has stated that if the inquiry finds that her involvement could hinder investigations, she may need to reconsider her position.
This situation presents a crucial opportunity for FICAC to reinforce its commitment to transparency and address any perceptions of conflict that could affect its credibility. The decisions made during this inquiry could have significant implications for governance and corruption-related issues in Fiji, ultimately supporting efforts to achieve accountability and restore public trust.
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