A petition seeking the removal of Barbara Malimali as the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner has amassed over 100 signatures.
The petition, initiated by Alexandra Forwood on change.org, aims to persuade Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to discuss with President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere the termination of Malimali’s appointment. Forwood has raised concerns about the legitimacy of Malimali’s appointment, alleging that she was under investigation by FICAC prior to taking on the commissioner role and suggesting that she should face charges for alleged abuse of office.
In response to the petition, Malimali stated that individuals are entitled to their opinions about her appointment, highlighting the freedom of expression in the country.
The push for change in FICAC’s leadership has gained momentum, with prominent political figures, including Savenaca Narube and former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, condemning Malimali’s appointment and calling on Rabuka to address the perceived misuse of power within the commission.
At the center of this dispute is a leaked FICAC letter concerning the charges against Minister for Finance Biman Prasad, who was expected to face charges two weeks ago for failing to disclose his assets, income, and liabilities prior to the recent election coinciding with Malimali’s appointment.
Francis Puleiwai, the acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC currently in Australia, has expressed disappointment over the delay in presenting the charges.
Forwood, the petition’s creator, is a former resident of Fiji now living in Australia. Her adoptive father spent over four decades in Fiji and married a local iTaukei woman. She has been an outspoken advocate for various political issues concerning Fiji.