Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has suggested the possibility of an independent board of inquiry to examine the controversial appointment of Barbara Malimali as the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner. The decision, however, will depend on the advice he receives from his advisors inside and outside the cabinet.
Malimali’s appointment has faced significant criticism due to her ongoing investigation by FICAC in her former role as chairperson of the Electoral Commission. Political and legal analysts have raised concerns about the timing of her appointment, which coincides with Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad facing charges from the corruption watchdog.
Former Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC Francis Pulewai confirmed that a formal notification for charges against Prasad was sent to both the Prime Minister and Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga just one day prior to Malimali’s appointment. He is accused of failing to declare all assets, income, and liabilities before the last election, but the charges have been paused since her appointment.
Rabuka previously stated that any cabinet minister facing charges would be moved to the backbench, similar to former Fisheries Minister Kalaveti Ravu. Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has urged Rabuka to intervene to safeguard the institution’s integrity and independence.
As the chair of the Constitutional Offices Commission, Rabuka has yet to receive Malimali’s resignation letter from the Electoral Commission, despite it being ten days since she took on the FICAC role. When asked about initiating an independent inquiry or tribunal regarding the criticisms directed at FICAC, Rabuka indicated that he would proceed if advised to do so, suggesting the possibility of consulting beyond the cabinet.
Meanwhile, a petition calling for Malimali’s removal is circulating as the situation intensifies.