Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has stated that the newly appointed Commissioner for the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption, Barbara Malimali, should not be suspended as investigations are ongoing. In a media briefing, Rabuka emphasized that the investigation is unrelated to her appointment, asserting, “No, she does not need to… It’s got nothing to do with her appointment.” He noted that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is managing the investigation as a separate matter and remarked, “If she did something, she needs to front up.”
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has sent Malimali’s investigation file to the Director of the Criminal Investigations Department for further examination. This decision followed discussions between Acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva and Deputy DPP John Rabuku, who was tasked to oversee the situation.
“It was determined that the investigation into this matter was not complete, thus the file has been forwarded to the Director CID with instructions to finalize the investigation,” Rabuka explained. The Office of the DPP has indicated that an update will be provided once the review is finished and the investigation file is returned for further action.
Barbara Malimali is currently under investigation for alleged abuse of office, with the complaint originating from her time as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission. FICAC confirmed the allegations relate to her previous role.