Opposition Member of Parliament Premila Kumar has expressed her shock at the appointment of Electoral Commission Chairperson Barbara Malimali to the newly established Commission of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption. In her statement, Kumar described the appointment as astonishing and unethical, highlighting that Malimali is currently under investigation by the agency she is about to lead.
Kumar raised concerns regarding the Judicial Services Commission’s (JSC) decision, questioning whether they were aware of the ongoing investigations into Malimali or if they chose to overlook them. She emphasized that this situation undermines the integrity and credibility of the appointment process.
The MP further criticized the potential impact on public confidence in FICAC’s impartiality, given the serious allegations facing its new head. She called for transparency and accountability from those in power, asserting that the public deserves to trust the institutions meant to serve them.
Kumar has urged the Chair of the Judicial Services Commission, Justice Salesi Temo, to provide a comprehensive explanation of the decision-making process regarding Malimali’s appointment and the apparent lack of due diligence in this significant matter. She stated that the people of Fiji deserve leadership from individuals of impeccable integrity, and that those in authority must act in the best interest of the nation.