Former Prime Minister and leader of the Fiji Labour Party, Mahendra Chaudhry, has alleged that the appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) was politically motivated. Chaudhry claims this move was intended to prevent charges against Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad and to impede investigations into complaints lodged against other ministers at FICAC.
In a statement, Chaudhry indicated that both the President and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka were likely aware of Malimali’s ongoing investigation by FICAC prior to her appointment. He cited evidence that FICAC had informed both leaders on August 30 about the investigation into Malimali for alleged abuse of office.
Chaudhry noted that the letters notifying the President and Prime Minister were delivered the same day, with the President’s office responding on September 3, indicating a desire for legal consultation. Despite this knowledge, Malimali was appointed as Commissioner on September 4.
He argued that it is reasonable to assume the President consulted the Attorney General regarding the investigation before approving her appointment. Chaudhry expressed concern that these revelations suggest a deliberate effort to obscure the truth about Malimali’s appointment from the public.
He criticized a perceived attempt to divert attention from the issue, stating that the situation could not be ignored to protect those in power. Chaudhry emphasized that the integrity of the Judicial Service Commission, the Attorney General’s office, as well as that of the President and Prime Minister, is now in jeopardy.
He called for Malimali to resign from her position as Commissioner until the allegations against her are thoroughly investigated and the results made public. Chaudhry pointed out that Malimali had been detained by FICAC and was to face charges before the investigations were interrupted by the resignation of the acting Deputy Commissioner Francis Puleiwai, who was overseeing the case.
Chaudhry also raised concerns about finalized charges against Finance Minister Biman Prasad for allegedly submitting false financial declarations, questioning the halting of that case. He pondered why a Cabinet minister facing potential charges could be appointed to lead Fiji’s COP 29 delegation to Azerbaijan in November and inquired about the status of investigations into seven other Cabinet ministers referred to FICAC.
He warned that any obstruction of justice in these matters would further erode public trust in law enforcement agencies and the Rabuka Government. Chaudhry urged the Prime Minister to prioritize honesty and accountability, stressing that everyone is equal before the law.