The Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), Barbara Malimali, has filed a police complaint against former acting deputy FICAC Commissioner Francis Pulewai. This was confirmed by Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew. The complaint involves allegations of abuse of office, in which Ms. Pulewai is accused of overstepping her authority as acting commissioner.
On her first day in the role on September 5, Ms. Malimali was arrested and detained at FICAC headquarters. This incident, referred to as the Barbara-Gate saga due to its political implications, has drawn attention from the government, with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka suggesting over the weekend that a Board of Inquiry might be necessary.
When approached for comment, Ms. Malimali did not respond, and Ms. Pulewai stated she had not been informed of the complaint, having traveled to Australia the week she resigned. Last week, Prime Minister Rabuka noted he had not received a formal resignation letter from Ms. Malimali, but later confirmed via Facebook that she has resigned from her position as Chair of the Electoral Commission.
Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica commented that FICAC had previously operated under political influence but denied that the current Coalition Government was following the same course. He expressed that an inquiry into FICAC is warranted, reflecting on the organization’s past operations.
Leader of the G9 crossbenchers, Ioane Naivalurua, supported Mr. Rabuka’s call for an inquiry, emphasizing its importance for good governance. Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Inia Seruiratu urged Mr. Rabuka to follow through with an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms. Malimali’s appointment and alleged interference. Fiji Law Society president Wylie Clarke remarked that the decision to conduct an inquiry ultimately lies with the Prime Minister.