Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has stated that the newly appointed Commissioner for the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption, Barbara Malimali, does not need to step down while investigations are underway. In a media briefing, Rabuka clarified, “No, she does not need to… It’s got nothing to do with her appointment.”
He further mentioned that the matter is currently being managed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and is unrelated to Malimali’s appointment. “If she did something, she needs to front up,” he added.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has forwarded Malimali’s investigation file to the Director of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to finalize the investigation. This decision came after discussions between Acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva and Deputy DPP John Rabuku, who was assigned to look into the case.
“A decision was reached that the investigation into this matter was incomplete; therefore, the file has been sent to the Director CID with recommendations to complete the investigation,” Rabuka explained.
The ODPP indicated that an update will be provided once the review is completed and the investigation file is returned for further action.
In terms of background, Malimali is under investigation for alleged abuse of office, with the complaint reportedly stemming from actions taken during her time as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission.