Attorney-General Graham Leung has voiced support for Barbara Malimali’s appointment as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), emphasizing that the process was conducted properly. In a media briefing at his office, Leung noted that Malimali was appointed based on merit after being shortlisted from four candidates.
Despite being appointed, Malimali is currently under investigation by FICAC. Leung stated that the position of FICAC head had been unfilled for several months and that, according to the Constitution, this role is filled by the Judicial Services Commission which recommends candidates to the President.
On the day of her appointment, Malimali arrived at the office only to be detained and questioned over an abuse of office allegation. Initially, the press was informed that Acting Deputy FICAC Commissioner Francis Pulewai was set to hold a press conference at 11 a.m., which ultimately did not occur. Leung mentioned that Pulewai had resigned and appeared to have authorized the detention of Malimali.
Leung expressed concern over the circumstances, describing them as extreme and highlighting the serious implications of FICAC’s powers, which can affect an individual’s liberty and reputation. He acknowledged being caught off guard by the situation, noting it was unprecedented for a new appointee to face such actions from her own staff on her first day.
The legality of Malimali’s arrest remains questionable, according to Leung. In response, Pulewai claimed that she was acting within the bounds of due process in detaining Malimali, asserting that proper procedures were followed to uphold the rule of law in handling a corruption complaint.