by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer
Fiji’s newly appointed anti-corruption chief was questioned by the anti-corruption office regarding an abuse of office allegation just a day after her appointment was announced.
On Wednesday, Barbara Malimali, who has an active case with the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) due to her position as chair of the Electoral Commission, was introduced as the new commissioner of the anti-corruption office.
Reports from Fijian media indicate that FICAC confirmed Malimali, who continues to serve as chair of the Electoral Commission, was questioned and released around midday local time.
Her appointment as head of FICAC has sparked criticism from various political figures in Fiji, including demands for intervention from Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
“It is both surprising and unethical that the Judicial Services Commission has approved the appointment of someone currently under investigation by the very organization she is set to lead,” stated opposition MP Premilar Kumar.
“This decision raises serious questions about the integrity and credibility of the appointment process,” she added.
In response, Rabuka informed state broadcaster FBC that the government played no role in Malimali’s appointment, asserting that responsibility lay with the Judicial Services Commission.
Rabuka also mentioned that Attorney-General Graham Leung would hold a news conference later that Thursday.
According to a report from The Fiji Times, FICAC’s acting deputy commissioner Francis Puleiwai, who had been serving as FICAC’s interim leader, stated she had also applied for the position but was not selected.
Puleiwai dismissed claims that the anti-corruption office was facing pressure from Cabinet ministers currently under investigation, stating, “There is no pressure from the Government to expedite anything, but investigations are ongoing,” as reported by The Fiji Times.
