Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has expressed his agreement with Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry regarding the need for Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) commissioner Barbara Malimali to step aside during the inquiry into her appointment. Mr. Rabuka stated, “I agree,” and emphasized that the Director of Public Prosecutions should take action based on Pulewai’s report, which should have been completed before Ms. Malimali lost her position as acting commissioner.
Rabuka announced that a board of inquiry would be established to address the growing concerns regarding Ms. Malimali’s resignation from the Electoral Commission and her subsequent appointment as commissioner. He asserted that an investigation is necessary to ensure the integrity of the appointment process.
In response, Mr. Chaudhry welcomed Mr. Rabuka’s decision to initiate the board of inquiry. He noted that Rabuka has the support of the public in his efforts to address the issues within FICAC, which have caused significant concern among citizens. Chaudhry insisted that it is crucial for Ms. Malimali to step aside to facilitate an unhindered inquiry and stressed the importance of ensuring that the inquiry is genuinely independent, comprising individuals with no ties to those involved in the situation or its decision-making process.