Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu has voiced his astonishment over the recent appointment of Barbara Malimali as the new commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). This reaction was echoed by fellow Opposition MP Premila Kumar, who described the decision as both shocking and unethical, noting that Malimali is under investigation by the very organization she is set to lead.
During a media conference, Seruiratu expressed that the appointment raises serious questions about the integrity of the Government. He stated, “I’m shocked, but not surprised. We’ve been emphasizing issues of good governance and institutional integrity since the beginning.”
He stressed that while the concerns were about the processes of appointment rather than the individual herself, it was ultimately the Government’s responsibility for this decision.
Kumar further called for transparency, demanding that the Government clarify how Malimali was appointed despite the ongoing investigations. She questioned whether the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) was unaware of the investigations or if they chose to overlook them. Kumar raised concerns about FICAC’s credibility and ability to perform its duties impartially when its leader is facing serious allegations.
She has urged the chair of the JSC to provide a thorough explanation regarding the appointment process and the apparent lack of due diligence for such a significant role. Questions were directed at the JSC on Tuesday concerning the confirmation of Malimali’s appointment.