The head of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), Barbara Malimali, will not be required to step down while the ongoing Commission of Inquiry examines her appointment, according to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. In a statement made outside Parliament, Rabuka emphasized that Malimali should only resign if she is formally charged.
This announcement follows former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry’s calls for Malimali to temporarily step aside to uphold the inquiry’s transparency and integrity. Chaudhry stressed the necessity for accountability in the process.
Malimali’s appointment as FICAC Commissioner on September 4 has sparked controversy, particularly since she was already under investigation by the agency she now leads. Rabuka mentioned that she should consider stepping down voluntarily if her involvement is found to hinder the inquiry.
The Prime Minister further indicated that the inquiry would be a crucial step in addressing the serious allegations surrounding the appointment, particularly in light of recent claims made by Francis Puleiwai, the former Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC. Puleiwai accused current ministers of interfering with ongoing FICAC investigations and noted that the Judicial Services Commission did not consult her regarding Malimali’s active investigation before making its recommendation.
Rabuka stressed the urgency of the inquiry, stating it must comprehensively cover all related matters. Chaudhry supported Rabuka’s urgency, asserting that any findings suggesting that the process was compromised to yield a predetermined conclusion should be disregarded. He highlighted the importance of maintaining transparency in independent offices to foster public confidence, declaring that good governance principles should apply universally.
In a separate matter, addressing an alleged sexual harassment complaint involving Pita Wise, the former Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office, Rabuka stated that any further actions would depend on the complainant’s wishes. Wise resigned last week, citing personal reasons.