A petition aimed at removing Barbara Malimali from her position as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has received over 100 signatures. The petition, initiated by Alexandra Forwood on change.org, calls on Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to discuss the termination of Ms. Malimali’s appointment with President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere.
Forwood asserts that Malimali’s appointment occurred under questionable circumstances, noting that she was under investigation by FICAC prior to her appointment as chief. Furthermore, Forwood claims that Malimali should face charges for alleged abuse of office.
In her appeal, Forwood encouraged the public to support the petition. In response, Malimali stated that she welcomes opinions about her appointment, emphasizing the freedom of expression in the country.
This movement for change is echoed by influential political figures such as Savenaca Narube and former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, who have openly criticized Malimali’s appointment and called for Prime Minister Rabuka to address what they perceive as an ‘abuse of power’ now present within FICAC.
At the heart of the controversy is a leaked FICAC letter detailing allegations against Minister for Finance Biman Prasad. He was expected to be charged two weeks ago for not declaring all his assets, income, and liabilities before the last election, coinciding with the timing of Malimali’s recent appointment.
Francis Puleiwai, the Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC currently in Australia, has expressed disappointment over the delay in filing charges.
Forwood, who is originally from Fiji and now resides in Australia, has been active on political issues concerning Fiji, having grown up with ties to the country through her adoptive father, who lived and worked there for over 40 years.