Former Prime Minister and Fiji Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry has alleged that Barbara Malimali’s recent appointment as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) was driven by political motives. Chaudhry asserts that this decision aims to prevent charges against Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad and to obstruct investigations into complaints lodged against other ministers with FICAC.
In a statement, Chaudhry claimed that both the President and Prime Minister Rabuka were aware of an ongoing FICAC investigation involving Malimali prior to her appointment. He noted that on August 30, FICAC had communicated to the President and Prime Minister about the investigation into Malimali for alleged abuse of office. According to Chaudhry, letters outlining the investigation were delivered to both officials on the same day, with the President acknowledging the correspondence on September 3.
Chaudhry argued that this knowledge would have influenced the decision to appoint Malimali as Commissioner on September 4, even though authorities were aware she was under investigation. He suggested that the President likely consulted the Attorney General regarding the situation before proceeding with the appointment.
The former Prime Minister emphasized that these developments indicate a deliberate political strategy to conceal the truth about Malimali’s position from the public. He criticized what he termed a misguided attempt to obscure the issues surrounding the appointment, asserting that the conduct of the Judicial Service Commission, as well as that of the President and Prime Minister, is now called into question.
Chaudhry urged Malimali to resign from her role as Commissioner until a full investigation into the allegations against her is completed and made public. He highlighted that FICAC had previously arrested Malimali and intended to charge her, but this process was halted following the resignation of the acting Deputy Commissioner who oversaw the investigation.
He pointed out that just before this disruption, charges against Finance Minister Prasad for allegedly submitting false financial declarations were finalized, and an arrest had been imminent after thorough investigations by both the Registrar of Political Parties and FICAC.
Additionally, Chaudhry questioned why these investigations were interrupted and how a minister facing potential charges could be appointed to lead Fiji’s delegation for COP 29 next month in Azerbaijan. He also inquired about the status of investigations into seven other Cabinet ministers referred to FICAC by the Registrar of Political Parties.
Concluding his statement, Chaudhry warned that any obstruction to the legal process in these matters would further erode public trust in law enforcement and in the Rabuka Government. He urged Prime Minister Rabuka to prioritize honesty and transparency, reminding him that all individuals are equal under the law.