A petition calling for the removal of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has gained over 100 signatures. Initiated by Alexandra Forwood on change.org, the petition aims to persuade Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to meet with President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere to discuss terminating Ms. Malimali’s appointment.
Ms. Forwood alleges that Ms. Malimali’s appointment was made under questionable circumstances, noting that she was under investigation by FICAC prior to assuming the role of Commissioner. Additionally, Ms. Forwood has urged that Ms. Malimali should face charges for purported abuse of office.
In response, Ms. Malimali stated that public opinion on her appointment is welcome, emphasizing the democratic nature of the country.
This push for change in FICAC leadership is backed by significant political figures, including Savenaca Narube and former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, who have both criticized Ms. Malimali’s appointment and called upon Mr. Rabuka to address the alleged ‘abuse of power’ within FICAC.
Central to the controversy is a leaked FICAC letter detailing charges against Minister of Finance Biman Prasad. It was reported that Mr. Prasad was set to be charged two weeks ago for failing to declare all assets, income, and liabilities before the last election, which coincided with Ms. Malimali’s recent appointment.
Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC, Francis Puleiwai, who is currently in Australia, described the delay in addressing the charges as “sad.”
Regarding Alexandra Forwood, she is a former resident of Fiji now residing in Australia. Her adoptive father worked in Fiji for over four decades and married a local iTaukei woman. Ms. Forwood has been an outspoken figure on political matters pertaining to Fiji.