Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has confirmed that Barbara Malimali, the newly appointed Commissioner for the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), will not be required to step down while investigations are ongoing.
In a media statement, Rabuka clarified that her appointment is unrelated to the current investigation. He mentioned that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is managing this situation, which he noted is a separate matter, stating, “If she did something, she needs to front up.”
The Office of the DPP has passed Malimali’s investigation file to the Director of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for further examination. This decision followed discussions between Acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva and Deputy DPP John Rabuku, who is overseeing the inquiry. They concluded that the investigation was not yet complete, which prompted the file to be referred for additional work.
The Office of the DPP has indicated that they will provide updates once the review is finished and the investigation file is returned for further action.
Malimali is currently under investigation for alleged abuse of office during her previous role as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, as confirmed by FICAC.