Francis Pulewai, the former Acting Deputy Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), has publicly addressed her exit and the recent contentious appointment of FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali. Speaking from Australia, Pulewai voiced her disappointment regarding the handling of her situation, perceiving it as an effort by the organization she aimed to support to “victimize” her for performing her duties.
“It was really disappointing to see that the very body of Government I expected would uphold the rule of law was instead the one that victimized me for just doing my job,” Pulewai stated. She expressed that the agency appeared to be looking for a scapegoat and believed that she was singled out for blame.
Pulewai raised concerns about the expedited nature of Malimali’s appointment while she was still under investigation. “The question that needs to be asked is, why was the appointment rushed when the person appointed was still under investigation?” she remarked. On August 28, she learned that Malimali had been chosen for the role and subsequently alerted the President on August 30 regarding the ongoing investigation, urging caution.
Despite her notifications, Malimali was appointed by President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere on September 4, following recommendations from the Judicial Services Commission. Pulewai noted that she was not informed before the formal introduction of the new Commissioner, questioning the appropriateness of the process. Concerns were also raised by other managers regarding Malimali’s new position while still under investigation.
Clarifying rumors about Malimali’s detainment post-appointment, Pulewai stated that it was a misunderstanding, explaining that the detainment followed Malimali’s refusal to attend a scheduled interview.
Pulewai defended her authority as Acting Deputy Commissioner, asserting that she had the same powers as Malimali to conduct investigations. She highlighted a lack of communication regarding Malimali’s resignation from the Electoral Commission prior to her appointment.
With regards to Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad, Pulewai confirmed that charges were prepared against him, emphasizing documented evidence that could underscore breaches of the Political Parties Act. She dismissed Prasad’s claims that the accusations had no merit and insisted that the matter should be resolved in court.
Addressing questions about the complainant’s citizenship status, Pulewai affirmed that complaints backed by evidence should be given equal consideration regardless of the complainant’s background.
Pulewai described the current climate at FICAC as chaotic and called for increased transparency and accountability. She urged a halt to the appointment process and for the investigation to be concluded to mitigate the ongoing turmoil. Furthermore, she expressed concerns for her safety, recounting threats she has received since her departure, including an incident where her vehicle was tampered with.