Former Prime Minister and leader of the Fiji Labour Party, Mahendra Chaudhry, has accused the appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) of being politically motivated. He believes her appointment was a strategic move to prevent Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Professor Biman Prasad, from facing charges and to halt investigations into complaints against other ministers reported to FICAC.
Chaudhry stated that both the President and Prime Minister Rabuka were likely aware of an ongoing investigation into Malimali before her appointment. He pointed to evidence indicating that FICAC had notified the President and Prime Minister on August 30 about its investigation into Malimali for abuse of office. Responses from the President’s office indicated that legal advice would be sought regarding the matter, while the Prime Minister acknowledged receipt of the notification.
With Malimali’s appointment occurring on September 4, Chaudhry claimed it was clear that the authorities were aware of her investigative status. He suggested that it was reasonable to assume the President consulted with the Attorney General about the investigation before approving her position.
Chaudhry characterized these developments as an attempt to obscure the truth about Malimali’s appointment from the public. He criticized what he described as efforts to mislead the public with irrelevant information, asserting that such matters should not be ignored to shield wrongdoers.
The credibility of the Judicial Service Commission, the Attorney General’s office, and the President and Prime Minister are now at stake, he warned. Chaudhry called for Malimali to resign as Commissioner of FICAC until the allegations against her are thoroughly investigated and made public.
He highlighted that Malimali had previously been arrested by FICAC and was facing charges before the resignation of acting Deputy Commissioner Francis Puleiwai, which he claimed disrupted the investigation. Chaudhry noted that charges against Finance Minister Biman Prasad related to false financial declarations were finalized, and Prasad was due for arrest following thorough investigations.
Chaudhry raised questions about why this case was halted and criticized the decision to appoint a minister facing potential charges to lead Fiji’s COP 29 delegation in Azerbaijan. He also inquired about seven other Cabinet ministers under investigation by FICAC following referrals from the Registrar of Political Parties, questioning whether those cases are still being pursued.
He concluded by warning that any obstruction to the due process in these cases would further erode public confidence in law enforcement and the Rabuka government. Chaudhry urged Prime Minister Rabuka to prioritize truth and integrity, emphasizing that all individuals should be treated equally under the law.