A petition calling for the removal of Barbara Malimali from her position as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has attracted over 100 signatures. The petition was initiated by Alexandra Forwood on change.org, aimed at encouraging Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to meet with President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere to discuss terminating Malimali’s appointment.
Forwood alleges that Malimali’s appointment came under questionable circumstances, noting that Malimali was under investigation by FICAC prior to her becoming the chief of the organization. She has called for Malimali to face charges for alleged abuse of office. “We humbly request you sign our petition,” Forwood stated.
In response, Malimali has said that everyone is free to express their opinions on her appointment, emphasizing the right to free speech in the country. The push for change at FICAC is echoed by political figures such as Savenaca Narube and former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, both of whom have condemned Malimali’s appointment and criticized the perceived abuse of power within FICAC.
At the center of this controversy is a leaked FICAC letter detailing charges against Minister for Finance Biman Prasad. Prasad was expected to face charges two weeks ago for allegedly failing to declare all his assets and liabilities before the recent election, coinciding with Malimali’s appointment as FICAC Commissioner. Francis Puleiwai, FICAC’s Acting Deputy Commissioner, currently in Australia, described the delay in charges as “sad.”
Alexandra Forwood, who initiated the petition, is a former resident of Fiji now living in Australia. Her adoptive father spent over 40 years in Fiji and married an iTaukei woman, and she has been outspoken on political issues concerning Fiji.