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 prompt Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to request a meeting with President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere to discuss terminating Ms. Malimali’s appointment. Ms. Forwood argues that Ms. Malimali’s appointment occurred under suspicious circumstances, highlighting that she was under FICAC investigation prior to her taking the role of FICAC chief. Furthermore, she 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 in the context of a free society. The controversy surrounding her appointment has garnered criticism from prominent political figures, such as Savenaca Narube and former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, who have both condemned her appointment and urged Mr. Rabuka to act against the perceived ‘abuse of power’ now associated with FICAC.
Central to this issue is a leaked FICAC letter detailing charges against Finance Minister Biman Prasad. Mr. Prasad was expected to be charged two weeks ago for allegedly failing to declare all his assets and liabilities before the last election, coinciding with Ms. Malimali’s recent appointment as FICAC Commissioner. Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC Francis Puleiwai, currently in Australia, described the delay in moving forward with the charges as ‘sad’.
Alexandra Forwood is a former Fiji resident now residing in Australia. She has been outspoken on political matters concerning Fiji, influenced by her family’s long-standing ties to the country.