A formal complaint is necessary to trigger an investigation into Barbara Malimali, John Rabuku, and Siromi Turaga, according to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. Such a complaint could also pave the way for their possible suspension.
This situation arose after Ms. Malimali, the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), Mr. Rabuku, the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and Mr. Turaga, the Minister for Justice, were seen together at the Grand Pacific Hotel during a welcome ceremony for a Japanese delegation from the Ministry of Justice last Friday.
Mr. Rabuka addressed the matter outside his office, stating that any investigation or suspension regarding the three officials would depend on complaints that are filed. He questioned, “What is wrong with that?” and sought clarity on whether a report had been made regarding their public appearance together, affirming, “If there’s a report, then yes.”
Mr. Turaga opted not to comment after a Cabinet meeting but indicated that a statement would be issued soon. Graham Leung, chief legal adviser and Attorney General for the Government, dismissed concerns about the incident, referring to it as “just a photo.”
After the photo’s publication, the Ministry of Justice’s Facebook page deleted images of the officials, which raised further questions about a potential conflict of interest.
On September 24, the Director of the Criminal Investigation Department received a referral concerning Ms. Malimali’s case from Mr. Rabuku’s office after consulting with Acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva. Mr. Turaga is currently under investigation by FICAC, and Mr. Rabuka has referred to Ms. Malimali’s case as “incomplete,” suggesting it requires additional police examination.
The situation recalls the case of Christopher Pryde, the former and suspended DPP, who was dismissed in April 2022 amid suspicions of “misbehavior.” Allegations against Mr. Pryde emerged when he was reportedly seen with former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum at the Japanese Ambassador’s residence in Suva while an investigation involving Mr. Sayed-Khaiyum was ongoing. Mr. Turaga had previously spoken out about Mr. Pryde’s case, claiming Pryde had a lengthy private conversation with Sayed-Khaiyum. Mr. Pryde was subsequently suspended by President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere on the recommendation of the Judicial Services Commission.
The incident has drawn significant political backlash, with Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu calling for the suspension of the three officials, echoing the actions taken against Mr. Pryde. Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry emphasized the importance of upholding good governance and integrity in public service. Unity Fiji leader Savenaca Narube remarked that Ms. Malimali’s recent interactions with senior justice officials and the Minister for Justice, who is also reportedly under FICAC investigation, resemble Mr. Pryde’s situation. He stressed that all allegations must be thoroughly investigated to maintain public trust in justice organizations like FICAC.
In a concerning development, Ministry of Justice manager Collin Yabaki threatened legal action against a media outlet for covering the issue, questioning their permission to use the photo and chastising them for drawing attention to it.