The Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), Barbara Malimali, has filed a police complaint against former Acting Deputy Commissioner Francis Pulewai. Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew confirmed the complaint, which involves allegations of abuse of office related to Ms. Pulewai’s actions while serving in an acting capacity.
Ms. Malimali’s contentious situation, referred to as the Barbara-Gate saga due to its political implications, escalated recently, prompting Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to suggest the possibility of a Board of Inquiry. On her first day at work, September 5, Ms. Malimali was arrested and taken into custody at FICAC headquarters.
Attempts to contact Ms. Malimali for a comment before the publication deadline were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, Ms. Pulewai stated that she has not been informed about the complaint and has since traveled to Australia following her resignation. Prime Minister Rabuka indicated earlier in the week that he had not yet received a formal resignation letter from Ms. Malimali. However, he later confirmed via his official Facebook account that he received notification of her resignation as Chair of the Electoral Commission.
Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica alleged that FICAC had previously operated under political influence during the former government but denied that such practices continue under the Coalition Government. He noted that while FICAC may have deviated from its intended path, the Prime Minister’s call for an inquiry reflects a desire to assess the agency’s operations over the past eight years.
Opposition MPs have expressed the importance of the inquiry for ensuring good governance. G9 crossbench leaders emphasized the need for transparency in light of the controversy surrounding Ms. Malimali’s appointment. The Fiji Law Society president stated that the decision regarding the inquiry rests with the Prime Minister.