Former Prime Minister and leader of the Fiji Labour Party, Mahendra Chaudhry, has alleged that Barbara Malimali’s selection as the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) was politically influenced. In a statement, Chaudhry argued that this appointment was intended to prevent charges against Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad and to stop investigations regarding complaints against other ministers submitted to FICAC.
Chaudhry claimed that both the President and Prime Minister Rabuka were aware that Malimali was under investigation by FICAC prior to her appointment. He referenced a letter sent to the President and the Prime Minister on August 30, which informed them of the investigation into Malimali for abuse of office. According to Chaudhry, these letters were delivered to their offices the same day, and the President’s office responded on September 3, indicating he would seek legal counsel regarding the matter, while the Prime Minister confirmed receipt of the letter.
Chaudhry contended that the authorities knowingly appointed Malimali on September 4, despite her ongoing investigation. He stated that it would be logical for the President to consult with the Attorney General, the state’s legal advisor, about the investigation before approving her appointment.
These developments, according to Chaudhry, suggest a calculated political maneuver to obscure the truth surrounding Malimali’s appointment. He accused officials of attempting to mislead the public by providing irrelevant information and emphasized that this matter cannot be overlooked to protect those involved.
Chaudhry expressed concern for the credibility of the Judicial Service Commission, the Attorney General’s office, the President, and the Prime Minister, asserting that it is compromised by these revelations. He called for Malimali to resign from her position at FICAC until the allegations against her have been thoroughly investigated and the findings made public.
He noted that Malimali had been arrested by FICAC and was about to be charged when the inquiry was interrupted by the forced resignation of the acting Deputy Commissioner, Francis Puleiwai, who oversaw the investigation. He argued that at that time, charges against Finance Minister Biman Prasad regarding false financial declarations were prepared and that he was set for arrest following comprehensive investigations by both the Registrar and FICAC.
Chaudhry raised questions about why these charges were halted and criticized the appointment of a minister facing potential charges to lead Fiji’s COP 29 delegation in Azerbaijan. He also inquired about the status of investigations into seven other Cabinet ministers referred to FICAC by the Registrar of Political Parties.
He warned that any hindrance to the legal process in these documented cases could further diminish the public’s trust in law enforcement agencies and the Rabuka Government. Chaudhry urged the Prime Minister to act honorably and prioritize the truth, reminding him that everyone is equal before the law.