The Fiji Labour Party (FLP) has criticized Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka for publicly commenting on the legitimacy of Barbara Malimali’s appointment as FICAC Commissioner before an inquiry takes place. The FLP claims that Malimali’s appointment was unlawful due to her being under investigation by FICAC at the time, asserting that the Judicial Services Commission should not have appointed her without FICAC’s clearance.
FLP Leader Mahendra Chaudhry has indicated that suggesting her appointment followed legal procedures is misleading. He highlighted issues surrounding the motives behind Malimali’s appointment and expressed concern over the subsequent resignation of Francis Puleiwai as Deputy Commissioner.
Chaudhry stated that the timing of Malimali’s appointment raises suspicions of an effort to obstruct the work of an independent authority, specifically referencing the potential arrest of Professor Biman Prasad related to allegations of submitting false financial records to the Registrar of Political Parties.
Furthermore, Chaudhry admitted concerns over the Prime Minister’s comments about discussing the inquiry’s terms of reference and appointments in next Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, noting that several Cabinet Ministers are under investigation by FICAC, leading to significant conflict of interest.
He questioned the appropriateness of allowing these Ministers to influence the inquiry’s terms and personnel. Although the Prime Minister has promised Puleiwai a return to Fiji to participate in the inquiry, Chaudhry emphasized that such assurances require support from his ministers and other relevant government bodies.