Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has expressed no objections to Barbara Malimali remaining in her role as head of FICAC while the Government works to establish a Commission of Inquiry regarding allegations made by Francis Puleiwai, the former Deputy Commissioner.
In comments to the media, Rabuka stated that Malimali can continue her responsibilities unless she feels her involvement might compromise the investigation, in which case she should consider stepping aside.
“Being a senior lawyer, she should understand what is in the best interest of everyone,” Rabuka noted.
He emphasized that an independent commission would be more suitable to address the concerns raised by Puleiwai, particularly those related to alleged interference by ministers in FICAC investigations.
“If the inquiry finds that there was indeed undue interference, the procedures recommended by the Commission of Inquiry will need to be followed,” he explained.
Addressing allegations of threats against Puleiwai, the Prime Minister condemned any such actions if they were indeed made, but clarified that he had not been informed of any threats, nor had they been reported to him or the Fiji Police.