The recent appointment of Barbara Malimali has raised concerns regarding the independence of institutions, adherence to due process, and a prime minister claiming ignorance of ongoing issues under his administration. Day two of the Barbara-gate scandal introduced Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Biman Prasad, who is now facing allegations related to undeclared assets, income, and liabilities.
At the center of the controversy is Ms. Malimali’s rapid appointment as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), with suspicions that her role may be intended to protect the Finance Minister from potential implications. The situation has escalated as Attorney-General Graham Leung stands by Ms. Malimali’s appointment, while critics suggest she has been placed at FICAC to shield those in power from accountability.
On the previous afternoon, Acting Deputy Commissioner Francis Pulewai resigned after meeting with the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), stating she could not work with Ms. Malimali. Ms. Pulewai clarified that her resignation was not personal but rather a concern for the rule of law, indicating that an arrest of Mr. Prasad was planned but would need to wait for the new commissioner. She stressed the importance of maintaining the integrity of ongoing investigations into Mr. Prasad, stating these had commenced before her tenure.
In response to Ms. Pulewai’s resignation, Mr. Prasad stated that the new commissioner would handle the matter, highlighting that his legal team had been in communication with FICAC and insisted there was no basis for the allegations against him.
Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga confirmed that Ms. Malimali had lodged a complaint with the JSC regarding a recent FICAC search at the Electoral Commission. Shortly after, she was introduced to FICAC staff by Chief Registrar Tomasi Bainivalu. On her first day at the Reverend John Hunt building, she was questioned by FICAC investigators but was later released. Ms. Pulewai also informed Mr. Turaga that Mr. Prasad would be charged.
Mr. Turaga emphasized that Ms. Malimali’s appointment was made by the JSC and that she had not been informed about the ongoing investigation until her first day at work. He criticized the premature leak of information on social media, which he felt compromised the confidentiality of the processes involved.
Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica defended the integrity of the process, citing the involvement of respected judges in the JSC and affirming that the government is committed to upholding democracy without interference. The People’s Alliance Party had previously vowed to dissolve FICAC within its first 100 days in power.