A formal complaint is necessary to initiate an investigation into Barbara Malimali, John Rabuku, and Siromi Turaga, according to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. Such a complaint could also result in their potential suspension.
This follows an event last Friday at the Grand Pacific Hotel, where Ms. Malimali, the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), Mr. Rabuku, the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and Mr. Turaga, the Minister for Justice, were seen together during a welcome ceremony for a Japanese delegation from the Ministry of Justice.
Yesterday, Mr. Rabuka addressed the situation outside his office, indicating that any investigation or suspension concerning Ms. Malimali, Mr. Rabuku, and Mr. Turaga would be contingent upon formal complaints being filed.
“What is wrong with that?” Mr. Rabuka responded to inquiries. “Has there been a report made on them appearing together? If there’s a report, then yes.”
Mr. Turaga refrained from commenting after a Cabinet meeting but mentioned that a statement would be forthcoming. Meanwhile, Graham Leung, the Attorney General and chief legal adviser to the government, dismissed the incident, stating, “It’s just a photo.”
Following the release of a photo depicting the officials, the Ministry of Justice’s Facebook page removed the images, which sparked concerns regarding a potential conflict of interest.
On September 24, the Director of the Criminal Investigation Department received a referral concerning Ms. Malimali from Mr. Rabuku’s office, following discussions with Acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva. Mr. Turaga is currently under investigation by FICAC. Mr. Rabuka has characterized Ms. Malimali’s case as “incomplete,” indicating that it requires further police scrutiny.
The recent photo recalls the case of Christopher Pryde, the former suspended DPP, who was dismissed last April due to allegations of “misbehaviour.” Allegations had surfaced that Mr. Pryde met with former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum at the residence of Japan’s Ambassador to Fiji amid a separate investigation concerning Mr. Sayed-Khaiyum.
At that time, Mr. Turaga, who was the Attorney General, publicly commented on Mr. Pryde’s case, stating that Mr. Pryde had spent “about 30 to 45 minutes conversing alone” with Mr. Sayed-Khaiyum. Consequently, Mr. Pryde was suspended by President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere based on the recommendation of the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), in accordance with Section 112(4) of the Constitution and Chapter 5, Part A.
The situation has generated significant political backlash. Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu has called for the suspension of the three officials, mirroring actions taken regarding Mr. Pryde. Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry highlighted the importance of maintaining integrity and good governance in public offices. Savenaca Narube, leader of Unity Fiji, commented that Ms. Malimali’s recent photograph with senior justice officials and the Minister for Justice—who is also under FICAC investigation—resembles Mr. Pryde’s case. He insisted that investigations into the allegations on both sides are vital to ensure confidence in the law enforcement agencies like FICAC.
In a concerning turn, Ministry of Justice manager Collin Yabaki issued a threat of legal action against this publication for covering the story, questioning, “Who gave you permission to use the photo? Why do you have to make a big issue out of it?”