A formal complaint is necessary to initiate an investigation into Barbara Malimali, John Rabuku, and Siromi Turaga, according to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. Such a complaint could result in their possible suspension.
This announcement comes after Ms. Malimali, the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), Mr. Rabuku, the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and Mr. Turaga, the Minister for Justice, were seen together at the Grand Pacific Hotel during a welcome ceremony for a Japanese delegation from the Ministry of Justice last Friday.
Addressing the issue outside his office, Mr. Rabuka stated that any investigation or suspension relating to Ms. Malimali, Mr. Rabuku, and Mr. Turaga would depend on complaints submitted. He questioned whether any reports had been made regarding their appearance together.
Mr. Turaga refrained from commenting after a Cabinet meeting but suggested that a statement would be forthcoming. Meanwhile, Graham Leung, the Government’s chief legal adviser and Attorney General, minimized the situation, saying, “It’s just a photo.”
After the photo circulated, the Ministry of Justice’s Facebook page removed images of the officials, sparking concerns about a possible conflict of interest.
In background context, on September 24, the Director of the Criminal Investigation Department received a referral about Ms. Malimali from Mr. Rabuku’s office, in consultation with Acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva. Mr. Turaga remains under investigation by FICAC, and Mr. Rabuku has described Ms. Malimali’s case as “incomplete,” necessitating further police scrutiny.
The recent photo incident is reminiscent of the case involving Christopher Pryde, the former suspended DPP who was dismissed in April last year over allegations of “misbehavior.” Pryde was reportedly seen with former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum at the Japanese Ambassador’s residence amid an investigation involving Sayed-Khaiyum. Mr. Turaga had previously commented on Pryde’s case, indicating that he had a lengthy conversation with Sayed-Khaiyum.
Following the incident, Pryde was suspended based on the recommendation of the Judicial Services Commission, following constitutional provisions.
The matter has drawn strong opposition from notable political figures. Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu has called for the suspension of the three officials, likening the situation to Mr. Pryde’s case. Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry emphasized the importance of upholding good governance and integrity in public offices.
Unity Fiji leader Savenaca Narube remarked that Ms. Malimali’s recent photo with senior justice officers and the Justice Minister, who is also under FICAC investigation, parallels the earlier case of Christopher Pryde. He stressed the need for thorough investigations on both sides, affirming the principle of innocence until proven guilty and the importance of public trust in justice agencies.
In a concerning turn of events, Ministry of Justice manager Collin Yabaki threatened legal action against a publication for covering the incident. He questioned the permission for using the photo and criticized the emphasis placed on the matter.