A petition calling for the removal of Barbara Malimali from her position as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has gained over 100 signatures. Initiator Alexandra Forwood established the petition on change.org to persuade Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to meet with President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere regarding Ms. Malimali’s termination.
Forwood alleges that Ms. Malimali’s appointment was shrouded in questionable circumstances, pointing out that she was under investigation by FICAC prior to her appointment as chief. Furthermore, Forwood has suggested that Ms. Malimali should face charges for alleged abuse of office.
“We humbly request you sign our petition,” Ms. Forwood stated. In response, Ms. Malimali acknowledged that people are free to express their opinions about her appointment.
Support for the petition is not limited to Forwood, as prominent political figures, including Savenaca Narube and former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, have also criticized Ms. Malimali’s appointment, urging Prime Minister Rabuka to address what they describe as an “abuse of power” that has now affected FICAC.
This controversy is heightened by 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, income, and liabilities before the last election, which coincided with the appointment of the new FICAC Commissioner, Barbara Malimali. Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC Francis Puleiwai, currently in Australia, has expressed disappointment over the delay in the charges.
In a related note, Alexandra Forwood, the petition’s initiator, is a former resident of Fiji who now resides in Australia. Her adoptive father lived and worked in Fiji for over 40 years and married an iTaukei woman, which has contributed to her vocal stance on Fijian political matters.