Former Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner Barbara Malimali has issued a critical evaluation of the country’s anti-corruption measures, contending that the focus has predominantly been on targeting political opponents and minor wrongdoers, while major corruption cases remain unresolved. In a poignant social media post to coincide with World Anti-Corruption Day, Malimali shared her experiences during her tenure, stating that the definition of corruption often aligns with the interests of those in power, and enforcement tends to be selective.
She expressed concern that enforcement efforts have largely concentrated on minor offenders, like civil servants and individuals involved in smaller bribery cases, while “the real big fish have gone a-sailing.” Malimali drew an analogy between corruption and illicit drugs, suggesting that corruption permeates high-level positions and very few have witnessed genuine efforts to tackle it seriously.
Highlighting the disillusionment among Fiji’s youth regarding the legitimacy of anti-corruption initiatives, she pointed out a number of high-profile cases that have languished without resolution under various FICAC leaderships, including those of former commissioners George Langman, Rashmi Aslam, and former Acting Commissioner Frances Puleiwai. She lamented that these significant cases remain unaddressed.
Reflecting on her own historic tenure as FICAC’s first female commissioner, appointed after a change in government, Malimali criticized systemic interference in anti-corruption efforts, describing her time as having been “sledgehammered by the PAUSE button.” Her comments signal a call to action for improved accountability and transparency in the fight against corruption in Fiji.
While her assessment reveals significant challenges, there is hope that increased awareness brought by such outspoken critiques can galvanize public demand for more effective anti-corruption frameworks and genuine progress in addressing major corruption issues.
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