Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka addressed a Commission of Inquiry regarding the resignation of Barbara Malimali, the former Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC). Rabuka noted that Malimali left her position without providing a handover report or formally meeting with the appointing authority, which is the Constitutional Officers Commission (COC) that he chairs. He highlighted that Malimali also failed to return government assets, including a laptop and a mobile phone.
The Commission’s report revealed that Malimali had officially resigned from her role on September 3, 2024, just before her appointment as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) took effect on September 5. Rabuka confirmed that he only learned of her resignation after being approached by media representatives, and he did not receive a formal notification from Malimali directly or from the COC until later.
Rabuka acknowledged that it is customary for a resigning Chairperson to notify the appointing authority and partake in handover arrangements as a matter of procedural propriety. He expressed that while there may not be formal documentation, standard operating procedures for such situations should exist.
This unfolding saga raised concerns among some politicians, particularly Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu, who questioned the manner in which Malimali’s resignation was managed. Seruiratu highlighted the delay and the timing of the communication, given that Rabuka received notice on a Saturday — typically a non-working day.
To ensure proper transparency and to address any lingering concerns among the public and politicians, Seruiratu has called for a special investigation into the circumstances surrounding Malimali’s resignation. This inquiry aims to restore confidence in the appointment processes for key public positions, particularly as they relate to significant roles such as the chairperson of the Electoral Commission and the related commissions that oversee critical functioning within the government.
This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of clear communication and adherence to procedural standards in public office, reinforcing the need for accountability in governance.
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