Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner Barbara Malimali has pledged to review all FICAC investigations into Cabinet Ministers, including her own case, and urged the public to have faith in the legal process.
On Tuesday, Ms. Malimali filed a police complaint regarding former acting deputy FICAC Commissioner Francis Pulewai. She emphasized her commitment to conducting thorough investigations regardless of the case.
Ms. Malimali noted that FICAC had issued a stop order against Ms. Pulewai, who resigned and left the country over the recent weekend.
When approached at the court yesterday, Ms. Malimali expressed that she is still acclimating to her new role, having started on September 5. “We’re getting ahead of ourselves. I have just been there for a couple of days,” she told reporters.
She confirmed that ongoing cases will continue to progress and requested the public to allow the processes to unfold without interference.
Since May, the Fijian Elections Office has referred at least eight senior Cabinet ministers to FICAC due to allegations of electoral violations. The officials under scrutiny include:
– Minister for Sugar and Multi-Ethnic Affairs Charan Jeath Singh
– Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Biman Prasad
– Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya
– Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communication and Trade Manoa Kamikamica
– Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga
– Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro
– Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu
Additionally, the Elections Office referred President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere on February 15, along with Opposition MPs Faiyaz Koya and Semi Koroilavesau.
Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry claimed that both the President and Prime Minister were informed of ongoing investigations into Ms. Malimali prior to her appointment as FICAC Commissioner. Chaudhry stated that evidence exists showing that FICAC communicated with the President and Prime Minister on August 30 regarding the investigation into Ms. Malimali for alleged abuse of office. He further criticized efforts to obscure these issues, arguing that they must be addressed transparently and not overlooked.
Savena Narube, leader of the Unity Fiji party and former Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji, expressed concern over the implications of Ms. Malimali’s position amid the investigations. He suggested that the Judicial Services Commission should suspend her appointment until an inquiry is finalized to maintain public trust in FICAC. Narube cautioned that failure to act could undermine transparency and accountability in the fight against corruption in Fiji.