Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has suggested the possibility of establishing an independent board of inquiry to examine the controversy regarding the appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). However, the decision will depend on the recommendations he receives from his advisors, both within and outside the cabinet.
Ms. Malimali’s appointment has faced widespread criticism due to the ongoing investigation by FICAC into her role as chairperson of the Electoral Commission at the time of her appointment. There are concerns about the timing of her selection, particularly as Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad was set to face charges from the corruption watchdog.
Francis Pulewai, the former Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC, confirmed that a formal notification to charge Mr. Prasad had been sent to both the Prime Minister and the Minister for Justice, Siromi Turaga, just a day before Ms. Malimali’s appointment. Mr. Prasad is implicated in failing to declare his assets, income, and liabilities prior to the last election, although the charges have been suspended since Ms. Malimali took up her position.
Earlier, Mr. Rabuka stated that any cabinet minister facing charges would be moved to the backbench, similar to former Fisheries Minister Kalaveti Ravu. Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has urged Mr. Rabuka to intervene to safeguard the integrity and independence of the institution.
As the chair of the Constitutional Offices Commission, Mr. Rabuka is still awaiting Ms. Malimali’s resignation letter from the Electoral Commission, which has yet to be received ten days after her initial appointment to FICAC. When questioned about the potential for initiating an independent inquiry or tribunal concerning the criticism of the situation, Mr. Rabuka confirmed, “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 calling for Ms. Malimali’s removal is circulating as concerns over her appointment continue to grow.