Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has stated that Barbara Malimali, the newly appointed Commissioner for the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption, will not be required to step down while investigations are ongoing. In a media briefing, Rabuka clarified that the investigation is unrelated to her appointment, emphasizing, “No, she does not need to… It’s got nothing to do with her appointment.”
Rabuka mentioned that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is managing the investigation, which he described as a distinct issue. He added, “If she did something, she needs to front up.” The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has forwarded the investigation file regarding Malimali to the Director of the Criminal Investigations Department to finalize the inquiry.
This decision followed discussions between Acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva and Deputy DPP John Rabuku, who was assigned to investigate the matter. Rabuka indicated that a determination was made that the investigation was incomplete, leading to the transfer of the file to the CID with recommendations to complete the investigation.
The Office of the DPP has indicated that a further update will be provided once the review is completed and the investigation file is returned for additional action.
In terms of context, Malimali is under investigation for suspected abuse of office, with the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption confirming that the complaint arises from alleged misconduct during her time as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission.