A petition seeking the removal of Barbara Malimali from her position as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has attracted over 100 signatures.
The petition, initiated by Alexandra Forwood on change.org, aims to encourage Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to meet with President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere to discuss terminating Ms. Malimali’s appointment. Forwood alleges that Ms. Malimali’s appointment was surrounded by questionable circumstances, noting that she was under investigation by FICAC prior to taking on the role of Commissioner. Additionally, Forwood contends that Ms. Malimali should face charges for alleged abuse of her office.
“We humbly request you sign our petition,” Forwood stated. In response, Ms. Malimali expressed that everyone has the right to their opinion regarding her appointment in a democratic society.
The call for Ms. Malimali’s removal is echoed by political figures, including former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and Savenaca Narube, who have criticized her appointment and urged Mr. Rabuka to address what they describe as an “abuse of power” associated with FICAC. Central to this controversy is a leaked FICAC letter detailing charges against Finance Minister Biman Prasad.
Mr. Prasad was expected to face charges two weeks ago concerning allegations of not declaring all his assets, income, and liabilities prior to the last election, shortly after Ms. Malimali was appointed. Francis Puleiwai, the Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC, who is currently in Australia, expressed disappointment regarding the delay in addressing these charges.
Forwood, now residing in Australia, is a former Fiji resident whose adoptive father spent over 40 years in Fiji and married an iTaukei woman. She has been an outspoken advocate on Fijian political issues.