A petition seeking the removal of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has received over 100 signatures. The petition, initiated by Alexandra Forwood on change.org, aims to persuade Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to discuss the termination of Malimali’s appointment with President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere.
Forwood alleges that Malimali’s appointment came under questionable conditions, noting that she was reportedly the subject of a FICAC investigation prior to assuming the role. Forwood also claims that Malimali should face charges for alleged abuse of office.
“We humbly request you sign our petition,” said Forwood. In response, Malimali stated that people are free to express their opinions about her appointment in a democratic society.
Support for Forwood’s petition extends beyond individual citizens; prominent political figures such as former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and Savenaca Narube have also criticized Malimali’s appointment and called on Prime Minister Rabuka to address the alleged ‘abuse of power’ within FICAC.
Central to the controversy is a leaked FICAC letter detailing charges against Finance Minister Biman Prasad. Prasad was expected to be charged two weeks prior over claims of failing to declare all his assets, income, and liabilities before the recent elections, coinciding with Malimali’s recent appointment. Francis Puleiwai, acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC, who is currently in Australia, described the postponement of the charges as ‘sad.’
Alexandra Forwood, who resides in Australia, is a former resident of Fiji. Her adoptive father lived and worked in Fiji for over four decades, marrying an iTaukei woman, and she has been an outspoken commentator on Fijian political matters.