Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has stated that Barbara Malimali, the newly appointed Commissioner for the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption, does not need to be suspended while investigations are ongoing. In comments to the media, Rabuka clarified, “No, she does not need to… It’s got nothing to do with her appointment.”
Rabuka indicated that the current handling of the situation is separate from Malimali’s role, emphasizing that if she is found to have done something wrong, she must take responsibility.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has transferred the investigation file concerning Malimali to the Director of the Criminal Investigations Department to continue the inquiry. This decision follows discussions between Acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva and Deputy DPP John Rabuku, who was assigned to look into the case.
According to Rabuka, a determination was made that the investigation was incomplete, leading to the recommendation for the CID Director to finalize the investigation. The DPP office has stated that further updates will be provided once the review is finalized and the investigation file is returned for additional action.
In background information, it has been revealed that Malimali is under investigation for alleged abuse of office, with FICAC noting that the complaint relates to her former role as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission.