Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has expressed his agreement with Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry regarding the recommendation for Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) commissioner Barbara Malimali to step aside during an investigation into her appointment.
“I agree,” stated Mr. Rabuka, adding that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) should review the report prepared by former acting commissioner Pulewai, which she should have completed prior to her departure.
Mr. Rabuka indicated that a board of inquiry would be established soon to address the lack of trust regarding Ms. Malimali’s resignation from the Electoral Commission and subsequent appointment as commissioner. He emphasized the necessity of a thorough investigation to uphold the integrity of the process.
In support of this action, Mr. Chaudhry welcomed Mr. Rabuka’s initiative to form the inquiry board. “He has the support of the people in his attempt to ‘flush out the rot’ at FICAC, which has shocked the nation,” Mr. Chaudhry remarked. He further asserted that it was essential for Ms. Malimali to step aside to facilitate an unbiased inquiry and insisted that the investigation must involve truly independent members without prior connections to any parties involved in the situation or the decision-making process.