Barbara Malimali, Fiji’s newly appointed anti-corruption commissioner, was taken in for questioning by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) on Thursday, just a day after her appointment was announced. Malimali, who also serves as the Electoral Commission chair, is being investigated for alleged abuse of office during her tenure in that role.
Fiji media reported that Malimali was questioned by FICAC and released around midday. Her appointment has sparked controversy, with critics calling for Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to intervene.
Opposition MP Premila Kumar expressed concerns, stating, “It is both astonishing and unethical that the Judicial Services Commission has confirmed the appointment of a person who is currently under investigation by the very organisation she is now set to lead.” She questioned the integrity of the appointment process.
However, Rabuka distanced the government from the decision, clarifying that the Judicial Services Commission was solely responsible for the appointment. He said Attorney-General Graham Leung would address the matter later in a news conference.
FICAC’s acting deputy commissioner, Francis Puleiwai, revealed that she had also applied for the position but was unsuccessful. Puleiwai dismissed claims that the office was under pressure from Cabinet ministers who are currently under investigation.
