The recent arrest of Barbara Malimali, the new Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), by her own staff has sparked concerns within the government regarding the implications of this incident on her appointment.
During a press conference yesterday, Attorney-General Graham Leung characterized the situation as “extraordinary,” noting that it is highly unusual for a newly appointed leader to be arrested by their own team on their first day. Leung shared that he was caught off guard by the news of Malimali’s arrest while he was in Parliament. He expressed doubts about the legality of the arrest, emphasizing that it raises significant concerns.
Leung highlighted that Francis Puleiwai, who reportedly played a role in the incident, had also applied for the FICAC position among about 20 applicants. Following a transparent selection process, Malimali was appointed after being shortlisted as one of four candidates. The Judicial Services Commission (JSC) made the recommendations for her appointment to the President.
He reiterated that all constitutional procedures had been followed prior to Malimali’s appointment and underscored the importance of adherence to legal frameworks by public officials. Leung outlined that there are legal pathways available for any applicant who wishes to challenge an appointment.
Furthermore, he revealed that FICAC had issued a search warrant for the Electoral Commission two days prior to the arrest, seeking information regarding Malimali. This development adds layers to the complexities surrounding her arrest and raises questions about the intentions behind it, especially given that it involved an individual who was also a candidate for the position.
Fortunately, the situation was resolved the same day, with Malimali being released from custody.