Former Prime Minister and Fiji Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry has asserted that Barbara Malimali’s appointment as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) was influenced by political motives.
In a recent statement, Chaudhry suggested that the appointment was made to prevent Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad from facing charges and to impede investigations into complaints against other ministers reported to FICAC.
Chaudhry highlighted that it appears both the President and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka were aware of an ongoing investigation into Malimali before her appointment. He referred to documentation indicating that FICAC had informed the President and Prime Minister on August 30 of the ongoing investigation concerning Malimali for abuse of office.
On September 3, the President’s office reportedly responded, indicating a plan to seek legal advice on the issue, while the Prime Minister acknowledged receipt of FICAC’s communication. Chaudhry stated that the timing of Malimali’s appointment on September 4 indicates that the authorities were cognizant of her investigative status.
Chaudhry suggested that a consultation with the Attorney General would have been necessary prior to the appointment and implied that the decision reflects a politically motivated effort to obscure the truth surrounding Malimali’s position.
He accused the government of intentionally clouding the situation with extraneous information to mislead the public, emphasizing that the integrity of the Judicial Service Commission and legal offices, as well as the President and Prime Minister’s credibility, is now at stake.
Chaudhry called for Malimali to resign from her role at FICAC until the allegations against her are thoroughly investigated and the findings made public. He noted that Malimali had previously been arrested by FICAC and was facing charges before the process was unexpectedly halted following the resignation of the acting Deputy Commissioner, Francis Puleiwai, who was overseeing the investigations.
Additionally, he pointed out that at one point, investigations against Finance Minister Biman Prasad regarding false financial declarations were completed, and an arrest was imminent. Chaudhry raised questions about why the case was stopped and criticized the appointment of a minister facing charges to lead Fiji’s COP 29 delegation in Azerbaijan.
He also mentioned the status of investigations into seven other Cabinet ministers referred to FICAC and warned that any interference in legal processes would further erode confidence in law enforcement as well as the current government.
Chaudhry urged Prime Minister Rabuka to act with honor and prioritize transparency, reminding him that all individuals are equal under the law.