The Fiji Labour Party (FLP) has criticized Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka for publicly commenting on the legitimacy of Barbara Malimali’s appointment as FICAC Commissioner before an inquiry has taken place.
In an official statement, the FLP argued that Malimali’s appointment was illegal, as she was under investigation by FICAC at the time. They contended that the Judicial Services Commission erred in appointing her prior to receiving clearance from FICAC.
FLP Leader Mahendra Chaudhry labeled claims of lawful appointment as misleading, emphasizing the flawed process behind her selection and questioning the motives of those who facilitated her appointment, particularly following Francis Puleiwai’s resignation as Deputy Commissioner.
Chaudhry suggested that the timing of Malimali’s appointment appeared to interfere with the operations of an independent authority, potentially hindering the imminent arrest of Professor Biman Prasad, who faced multiple charges of submitting false financial information.
The former Prime Minister expressed concern regarding the Prime Minister’s intention to discuss the inquiry’s terms of reference and appointment in the upcoming Cabinet meeting, highlighting a conflict of interest given that several Cabinet Ministers are under investigation by FICAC based on complaints from the Registrar of Political Parties.
“Should those ministers be allowed to set the terms of reference for the inquiry or influence who is appointed to it?” Chaudhry questioned.
Additionally, the FLP noted that the Prime Minister has guaranteed Puleiwai’s return to Fiji if she chooses to participate in the inquiry. However, Chaudhry stressed that this assurance hinges on support from the Prime Minister’s ministers and other governmental bodies involved in the case.