Investigations into Barbara Malimali, the commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), began before the position was officially advertised, according to Francis Puleiwai, the former acting deputy commissioner of FICAC.
Puleiwai clarified that there has been a misunderstanding regarding the events of September 5, 2024, the day Ms. Malimali assumed her role as commissioner.
“It’s unfortunate that those we expected to uphold the law are the same individuals seeking to avoid accountability. They seem intent on placing the blame on me,” Puleiwai stated in an interview with ABC News.
She explained that a complaint was filed against Malimali, prompting an assessment and subsequent investigation. Puleiwai claimed to have authorized Malimali’s arrest but noted that the Attorney-General and the Judicial Services Commission did not wish to comprehend the rationale behind her decision.
“There is a protocol for bringing in suspects. At that time, she was considered a suspect and was invited for what we call a caution interview in Fiji. When she refused to attend in person, the FICAC investigators had the authority to proceed with her arrest,” she added.
Puleiwai mentioned that the arrest took place as anticipated, and leading up to September 5, there were two instances when the commissioner position was advertised.
“They seem to twist the narrative, suggesting I am bitter and portraying the situation as a scam, or that I unlawfully authorized the arrest,” she remarked, emphasizing that she was merely executing her responsibilities as deputy commissioner.
Puleiwai also pointed out that prior to the advertisement for the commissioner role, a complaint against Malimali was already lodged with FICAC, and investigation was in progress without her knowledge of Malimali applying for the position.
She criticized the Judicial Services Commission for failing to conduct adequate due diligence in Malimali’s appointment.
Attorney-General Graham Leung responded, asserting that Puleiwai is entitled to her viewpoint but emphasized that the Judicial Services Commission acted according to the recommendations and procedures established in the FICAC Act.