A petition seeking the removal of Barbara Malimali from her position as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has gained over 100 signatures. Alexandra Forwood, who started the petition on change.org, aims to persuade Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to discuss the dismissal of Ms. Malimali with President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere.
Ms. Forwood alleges that Ms. Malimali’s appointment was mired in controversy, as she was reportedly under investigation by FICAC prior to her taking the top position. Forwood believes Ms. Malimali should face charges for alleged abuse of office and has urged the public to support the petition.
In response, Ms. Malimali stated that it is a free country and everyone is entitled to their opinions about her appointment. The call for her removal has gained traction, with prominent figures such as former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and political figure Savenaca Narube condemning Ms. Malimali’s appointment and urging action from Mr. Rabuka regarding what they describe as an ‘abuse of power’ within FICAC.
At the heart of the controversy is a leaked FICAC letter detailing charges against Finance Minister Biman Prasad. Allegations had surfaced that Mr. Prasad failed to declare all his assets, income, and liabilities before the last election, coinciding with Ms. Malimali’s recent appointment as Commissioner.
Francis Puleiwai, the Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC currently in Australia, expressed disappointment at the delay in moving forward with the charges against Mr. Prasad.
In addition, Alexandra Forwood, the initiator of the petition, is a former Fiji resident now living in Australia. Her adoptive father spent over 40 years in Fiji and married a local iTaukei woman, and she has been actively engaged in discussions surrounding political issues in Fiji.