Former Prime Minister and leader of the Fiji Labour Party, Mahendra Chaudhry, has alleged that some Ministers currently under investigation by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) for submitting false declarations to the Registrar of Political Parties and for engaging in corrupt practices, are attempting to interfere with the appointment of the new FICAC Commissioner.
Chaudhry claims these Ministers are seeking to avoid prosecution by pushing for the removal of Acting Assistant Commissioner Francis Puleiwai and having someone of their choosing appointed as the permanent Commissioner.
He also noted previous reports suggesting interference by Barbara Malimali, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, in the Registrar’s decision to notify FICAC about the Ministers.
“A formal complaint regarding Malimali has been submitted and acknowledged by FICAC, and we believe it is currently under investigation,” Chaudhry stated.
He expressed concerns about the pressure FICAC, under Puleiwai, may be facing regarding its investigations into the Ministers. Furthermore, he mentioned that the Fiji Labour Party has learned that Malimali may have expressed interest in the FICAC Commissioner position, raising questions about how she could be considered amid the ongoing investigation.