Fiji’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner Barbara Malimali has promised to review all ongoing FICAC investigations involving Cabinet Ministers, including her own case, urging the public to have confidence in the process.
On Tuesday, Ms. Malimali filed a police report against the former acting deputy FICAC Commissioner, Francis Pulewai. She emphasized her commitment to thoroughness in her duties, regardless of the investigations at hand.
Ms. Malimali confirmed that a stop order had been placed on Ms. Pulewai, who had already vacated her position by the weekend following her resignation.
When questioned outside the court yesterday, Ms. Malimali expressed that she is still acclimating to her new role, which became effective on September 5, stating, “I have just been there for a couple of days. We’re getting ahead of ourselves.” She reassured that the investigations are making progress and urged that the due processes should unfold.
By May, the Fijian Elections Office had referred at least eight senior Cabinet Ministers to FICAC for alleged electoral breaches. These ministers include Charan Jeath Singh (Minister for Sugar and Multi-Ethnic Affairs), Biman Prasad (Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance), Lynda Tabuya (Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection), Manoa Kamikamica (Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communication and Trade), Siromi Turaga (Minister for Justice), Aseri Radrodro (Minister for Education), and Ifereimi Vasu (Minister for iTaukei Affairs). The FEO also referred President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere in February and noted Opposition MPs Faiyaz Koya and Semi Koroilavesau.
Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry alleged that both President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka were aware of the ongoing investigation into Barbara Malimali prior to her appointment as Commissioner. Chaudhry claimed the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), which recommended Ms. Malimali, had been informed by FICAC of the investigation against her.
Chaudhry indicated that evidence showed FICAC notified the President and Prime Minister of the investigation on August 30 and that a response was received from the President’s office on September 3 seeking legal advice regarding the matter. He accused the government of trying to obscure the issue with irrelevant details, demanding accountability rather than a cover-up of any wrongdoing.
Savena Narube, leader of the Unity Fiji party and former Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji, echoed concerns regarding the integrity of the process rather than the individual involved. He suggested that the JSC should suspend Ms. Malimali’s appointment until the inquiry into the allegations is complete to avoid further complications. Narube cautioned that failing to address these matters could damage public trust in FICAC’s role in combating corruption in Fiji, stressing the urgency for action.