Fiji’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner Barbara Malimali has filed a police complaint against Francis Pulewai, the former acting deputy commissioner. This was confirmed by Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew. The complaint involves allegations of abuse of office, specifically regarding Ms. Pulewai’s claimed overreach of authority while in her acting role.
On September 5, Ms. Malimali was detained at FICAC headquarters on her first day of work. The incident, dubbed the Barbara-Gate saga due to its political implications, has attracted government attention, with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka suggesting the possibility of a Board of Inquiry over the weekend.
Attempts to reach Ms. Malimali for comments yielded no response, while Ms. Pulewai asserted she has not been informed about the complaint and noted her departure for Australia after her resignation.
Earlier in the week, Prime Minister Rabuka stated he had not yet received a formal resignation letter from Ms. Malimali. However, he later announced on social media that he could confirm her resignation as Chair of the Electoral Commission, stating he received an email from the Solicitor-General confirming her new role as the Commissioner of FICAC.
In a separate response, Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica suggested that FICAC had been subject to political influence under the previous administration, but asserted that the current Coalition Government does not operate similarly. He acknowledged that FICAC may have encountered operational difficulties and supported the Prime Minister’s call for an inquiry to scrutinize its past operations.
Opposition leader Inia Seruiratu expressed that an inquiry into Ms. Malimali’s appointment and the alleged interference is crucial for good governance, while Ioane Naivalurua, leader of the G9 crossbenchers, supported the inquiry line set by Mr. Rabuka. Fiji Law Society President Wylie Clarke stated that the decision on these matters ultimately lies with the Prime Minister.