Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu has stated that the Prime Minister’s proposal to establish a board of inquiry regarding the situation involving Barbara Malimali is a prudent decision, considering the various reports circulating in public.
Mr. Seruiratu noted that while the Prime Minister acknowledged receiving Malimali’s resignation letter on September 14, the specifics of the processes to be followed by the parties involved remain unclear. He emphasized that this issue is particularly significant given that, according to the timeline, she resigned on September 3, was introduced to FICAC staff the following day, and officially took up her role as FICAC Commissioner on September 5.
He questioned whether such a timeline is standard practice in relation to her contract as the chair of the Electoral Commission and advocated for an inquiry to address these concerns.
Meanwhile, Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry has claimed that the Prime Minister and President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere were aware of Malimali’s ongoing FICAC investigation prior to her appointment as Commissioner.
In a recent statement, Mr. Chaudhry asserted that the two leaders received a letter from FICAC on August 30, which notified them of an investigation into Malimali for alleged abuse of office. He suggested that her appointment was politically motivated to prevent charges and investigations against ministers.
Chaudhry warned that any interference with the legal process in these documented cases could further erode public trust in law enforcement agencies and the Rabuka administration. He urged the Prime Minister to prioritize honesty and transparency in addressing the situation.