Opposition MP Premila Kumar has expressed her shock at the appointment of Electoral Commission Chairperson Barbara Malimali to the new Commission of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). In a statement, Kumar criticized the decision as both astonishing and unethical, noting that Malimali is currently under investigation by the same organization she is set to lead.
Kumar raised concerns about the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), questioning whether they were aware of the ongoing investigations or if they chose to overlook them. She emphasized that this situation calls into question the integrity and credibility of the appointment process.
“How can the public trust FICAC to operate impartially when its head is involved in serious allegations?” Kumar asked, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability from those in power.
She has called on the Chair of the JSC to provide a full explanation regarding the decision-making process and the apparent lack of due diligence in this important appointment. Kumar insists that the people of Fiji deserve better leadership and that authority figures must act in the nation’s best interest, ensuring that institutions are led by individuals of unquestionable integrity.
FijiLive has also sought a comment from the Chairperson of the Judicial Services Commission, Justice Salesi Temo.