The head of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), Barbara Malimali, will not be required to step down during the ongoing Commission of Inquiry into her appointment, according to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
In remarks made outside Parliament, Rabuka explained that Malimali is not obligated to resign unless formal charges are brought against her. This statement comes in response to former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry’s call for Malimali to “step aside” to ensure that the inquiry remains transparent and credible. Chaudhry emphasized the significance of accountability in this situation.
Malimali was appointed FICAC Commissioner on September 4, a decision that has sparked controversy given that she is currently under investigation by the very agency she now leads. Rabuka mentioned that should the inquiry determine that her presence obstructs the investigation, Malimali may need to voluntarily step down.
As a senior lawyer, Rabuka noted, she should be mindful of what is best for all parties involved. He described the inquiry as the most suitable and impartial method to address the allegations.
Rabuka’s comments follow statements by Francis Puleiwai, the former Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC, who alleged that current ministers have interfered in investigations conducted by FICAC. Puleiwai also pointed out that the Judicial Services Commission (JDC) did not consult her regarding Malimali’s ongoing investigation before making its recommendation.
Rabuka stressed the need for the inquiry to proceed quickly and cover all relevant areas and terms of reference. Chaudhry supported the call for urgency, warning that if the inquiry finds that the process was manipulated to achieve a predetermined outcome, “it must be discarded.”
Chaudhry reiterated the necessity for independent offices to function transparently to uphold public trust, asserting there should be no exceptions to good governance principles.
In related news, regarding allegations of sexual harassment against former Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office, Pita Wise, Rabuka indicated that further actions would depend on the complainant’s wishes. Wise resigned last week, citing personal reasons.