A petition calling for the removal of Barbara Malimali from her position as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has attracted more than 100 signatures.
The initiative, launched by Alexandra Forwood on change.org, aims to persuade Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to discuss Ms. Malimali’s termination with President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere. Ms. Forwood has raised concerns about the circumstances of Ms. Malimali’s appointment, claiming it is suspicious given that she was under investigation by FICAC prior to her taking office. Additionally, Ms. Forwood has called for Ms. Malimali to face charges for alleged abuse of office.
“We humbly request you to sign our petition,” Ms. Forwood stated.
In response, Ms. Malimali expressed that everyone is entitled to their opinion regarding her appointment, emphasizing the country’s freedom of speech.
The push for change in the top FICAC position has garnered support from notable political figures, including Savenaca Narube and former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, both of whom have criticized Ms. Malimali’s appointment and called on Mr. Rabuka to address the reported abuse of power within FICAC.
Central to this controversy is a leaked FICAC letter detailing intended charges against Minister of Finance Biman Prasad. Mr. Prasad was expected to face charges two weeks ago for allegedly failing to declare all his assets, income, and liabilities before the recent election, coinciding with Ms. Malimali’s appointment as FICAC Commissioner last week.
Francis Puleiwai, the Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC currently in Australia, has described the delay in filing these charges as “sad.”
Alexandra Forwood is a former resident of Fiji now living in Australia. Her adoptive father worked and resided in Fiji for over 40 years, marrying an iTaukei woman. She has been vocal about political issues concerning Fiji.