Former Prime Minister and leader of the Fiji Labour Party, Mahendra Chaudhry, alleges that certain Ministers currently under investigation by FICAC for submitting false declarations to the Registrar of Political Parties are attempting to influence the selection process for the FICAC Commissioner.
Chaudhry contends that these Ministers are seeking to have their cases removed from the jurisdiction of Acting Assistant Commissioner Francis Puleiwai by pushing for the appointment of a Commissioner of their choosing to avoid prosecution.
He also mentioned previous reports of interference from Barbara Malimali, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, concerning the Registrar’s decision to report these Ministers to FICAC.
“A report regarding Malimali’s actions has been filed and acknowledged by FICAC, and we understand that it is currently under investigation,” Chaudhry stated.
He expressed concern that FICAC, under Puleiwai’s leadership, is facing significant pressure related to its investigations of the Ministers. Moreover, the FLP has been informed that Malimali may have sought the position of FICAC Commissioner, raising questions about her potential candidacy.