A petition calling for the removal of Barbara Malimali from her position as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has received over 100 signatures.
Initiated by Alexandra Forwood on change.org, the petition aims to encourage Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to meet with President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere to discuss terminating Ms. Malimali’s appointment. Forwood alleges that Malimali’s appointment was made under questionable circumstances, noting that she was under investigation by FICAC prior to taking on the role of chief.
Forwood has also claimed that Malimali should face charges for alleged abuse of office. “We humbly request that you sign our petition,” she stated.
In response, Ms. Malimali expressed that public opinion is welcome regarding her appointment, emphasizing the freedom of expression in the country.
Forwood is not alone in her calls for a change in leadership at FICAC, as influential political figures, including Savenaca Narube and former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, have publicly criticized Ms. Malimali’s appointment and urged Prime Minister Rabuka to address what they perceive as ‘abuse of power’ within FICAC.
The controversy centers around a leaked FICAC letter that details charges against Finance Minister Biman Prasad. Prasad was expected to face charges two weeks ago for allegedly failing to declare all his assets, income, and liabilities before the last election, which coincided with the timing of Malimali’s appointment.
Francis Puleiwai, the Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC who is currently in Australia, has referred to the delay in pursuing these charges as ‘sad’.
Forwood, a former resident of Fiji now living in Australia, has been outspoken on political matters concerning Fiji. Her adoptive father spent over 40 years in Fiji and is married to a woman from the iTaukei community.