Fiji’s Political Turmoil: Was Malimali’s FICAC Appointment a Misstep?

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has voiced that the appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) should have been postponed due to an ongoing FICAC investigation involving her. This statement was detailed in the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) report released recently.

During the inquiry, Mr. Rabuka testified that he had become aware of the investigation into Ms. Malimali shortly before her appointment, although he did not anticipate her arrest on the very day she began her new role. He explained that the arrest was linked to a complaint filed on April 8, 2024, by Alexandra Forwood, as well as another complaint from Ana Mataiciwa, the Supervisor of Elections.

As the Chair of the Constitutional Officers Commission, Rabuka noted he relied on the Secretariat’s legal guidance regarding consultation processes, emphasizing that he lacked the legal power to intervene in the President’s decision-making regarding the appointment. He attempted to discuss concerns about the investigation’s timing with the President but learned that the appointment had already been finalized and could not be reversed. Reflecting on this, he conceded that the appointment should have been deferred until the investigation was completed.

This revelation aligns with previous discussions where Rabuka expressed his intention to explore the legal framework for a Board of Inquiry into Malimali’s appointment, especially given the scrutiny linked to the timing of her selection and the concurrent investigation into Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad. The inquiry aims to identify individuals involved in what has become a contentious issue, including the recent resignations of two FICAC officials.

The situation highlights ongoing tensions within Fiji’s political landscape, raising concerns about the integrity of FICAC and the broader implications of the appointments made under these circumstances. There is a hopeful perspective that by addressing these challenges through inquiries, a more transparent and accountable governance structure could be strengthened in Fiji—ultimately fostering trust in institutions tasked with upholding integrity and justice.