Opposition Member of Parliament Premila Kumar has expressed her astonishment at the appointment of Barbara Malimali as the new Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), particularly in light of the fact that Malimali is currently under investigation for alleged abuse of office.
Kumar labeled the decision “astonishing and unethical,” questioning the Judicial Services Commission’s (JSC) choice to confirm an appointment for an individual already possibly implicated in misconduct by the agency she is set to lead.
She posed critical questions regarding the JSC’s awareness of the ongoing investigations, asking whether they were uninformed or simply chose to overlook them.
The MP highlighted the potential negative impact on public confidence in FICAC’s impartiality, noting that the credibility of the organization could be compromised when its leader faces serious allegations. She emphasized the necessity for transparency and accountability from those in powerful positions.
Kumar has called for the Chair of the Judicial Services Commission to provide a detailed explanation regarding the decision-making process and the apparent lack of due diligence involved in this significant appointment.
She concluded by asserting that the citizens of Fiji deserve better and stressed the importance of having leaders of impeccable integrity in authoritative roles to serve the nation’s interests effectively.