Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has criticized Barbara Malimali’s appointment, urging Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to take action. In his statement, Chaudhry expressed disappointment that the Prime Minister has opted to remain passive, relying on the Judicial Service Commission’s recommendation for Malimali to assume her role at the Office of the President.
Chaudhry argued that appointing Malimali while she is under investigation for alleged misconduct contradicts the rule of law and jeopardizes principles of good governance. He further alleged that the situation was politically orchestrated to shield Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad from being prosecuted for submitting false declarations to the Registrar of Political Parties.
He noted that seven other Cabinet ministers were also reported to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) for similar issues, particularly after the acting Deputy Commissioner, Francis Puleiwai, resigned and Malimali was moved from the Electoral Commission to lead FICAC.
Chaudhry emphasized that the way in which Malimali’s appointment has been managed shows a blatant disregard for the rule of law, leading to national shock, troubling the business community, and diminishing investor confidence in Fiji. He urged the Prime Minister to stop being passive, as Malimali’s appointment has raised significant national concern, and called for decisive action to restore public trust in the government.
He warned that inaction would only enhance public perception of the government’s self-serving nature and lack of integrity. Chaudhry also pointed out that Malimali’s intention to review files on senior political figures raises questions about the intentions behind her appointment, alongside her silence regarding her own investigation. He cautioned that any efforts to obstruct or sanitize the investigations could worsen the already tense situation.