Pressure is mounting on the government, particularly on the Prime Minister, to promptly establish an independent Board of Inquiry regarding the contentious appointment of Barbara Malimali as the new Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
Political analysts emphasize the necessity of this investigation, despite the potential costs and time involved. Premila Kumar, the sole female member of the Opposition in Parliament, stated that the people of Fiji are seeking answers and are closely monitoring the situation.
Kumar highlighted that this incident is not an isolated one, recalling that the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) previously misstepped when it appointed John Rabuku as acting Director of Public Prosecutions, a position he later was deemed ineligible for by the Supreme Court. She questioned why Malimali’s appointment was expedited, especially as she was known to be under investigation.
Kumar argued that it is common sense to refrain from appointing someone under scrutiny to a prominent role. While Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced intentions to initiate a Board of Inquiry, former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry expressed concern over the Coalition Government’s apparent indifference to the matter.
G9 crossbencher Mosese Bulitavu supported Rabuka’s decision to pursue a Board of Inquiry, noting that the FICAC debate is unfolding under the current leadership and that several ministers, including the Attorney-General, have come forward to defend Malimali’s appointment. He emphasized that although FICAC is an independent entity, the Prime Minister, as the head of government, is often regarded as the point of reference when issues arise related to it.
Bulitavu believes that an inquiry will help conclude the ongoing issues surrounding this situation. Malimali was contacted for comment but declined to speak, stating, “I’m sorry, I actually don’t have anything to say right now, I’m sorry, I can’t answer any questions right now, I have to go.” Attempts to reach Attorney-General Graham Leung and the JSC for comments were unsuccessful.