Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner Barbara Malimali has filed a police complaint against former acting deputy Commissioner Francis Pulewai. Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew confirmed the development last night.
The complaint concerns allegations of abuse of office, specifically regarding claims that Pulewai overstepped her authority while serving in the acting role. On her first day at work, September 5, Malimali was arrested and detained at FICAC headquarters.
This incident, referred to as the Barbara-Gate saga due to its political implications, has gained significant attention, with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka suggesting the possibility of a Board of Inquiry over the weekend. Fiji Sun attempted to contact Malimali for comments but received no response before the publication deadline. Pulewai indicated she had not been informed about the complaint and had traveled to Australia following her resignation.
Last week, Rabuka mentioned he had not yet received a formal resignation letter from Malimali, but later acknowledged her resignation as Chair of the Electoral Commission on his official Facebook page. He stated that he was notified by the Solicitor-General via email on September 14 and confirmed that she has been appointed as the new FICAC Commissioner.
Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica remarked that FICAC was influenced by politics under the previous government, but he dismissed the idea that this was currently the case. He supported the Prime Minister’s call for an inquiry, noting it serves to examine FICAC’s operations over the past eight years and reflects on previous misuse of power.
Leader of the G9 crossbenchers, Ioane Naivalurua, emphasized the importance of Rabuka’s inquiry for good governance. Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu called on Rabuka to follow through with the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Malimali’s appointment and potential interference.
Fiji Law Society President Wylie Clarke stated that the decision on the inquiry rests with the Prime Minister.