An investigation into the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) will look into the actions of others, according to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. He clarified that the inquiry would not serve as a Board of Inquiry into FICAC itself but rather a Commission Inquiry to determine the actions taken by others.
Rabuka emphasized that while they cannot alter past decisions or processes, there may be instances of inappropriate conduct that need to be addressed.
He acknowledged that there have been numerous questions regarding Barbara Malimali’s resignation as chair of the Electoral Commission and her subsequent appointment as FICAC Commissioner. Rabuka stated that a thorough investigation is necessary to uphold the integrity of the process.
The scrutiny of Malimali’s appointment intensified following a query from Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu, who raised concerns about whether Malimali had officially resigned from the Electoral Commission, particularly since the members of the Constitutional Offices Commission (COC), which holds the authority to appoint, had not been notified.
Rabuka, who chairs the COC, admitted to being unaware of Malimali’s resignation when approached by the media. He later revealed that he received notification from the COC secretariat a full ten days after she assumed her new role at FICAC.