It would be a travesty of justice to let Barbara Malimali assume office as head of FICAC while under investigation herself.
This is the message from Fiji Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry, who says that Malimali must step down as Commissioner FICAC until the complaints against her for abuse of office are dealt with appropriately by officials, who are independent and impartial.
In a statement, Chaudhry says it should be noted that she was under arrest and was being questioned.
He has also made claims against Attorney General, Graham Leung.
We are currently trying to get Leung’s comments.
Meanwhile, FICAC says Malimali is back in Office this morning, ready to lead the Commission.
They say Malimali is a highly experienced criminal lawyer and was appointed by President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere on the recommendation of the Judicial Services Commission and in consultation with the Office of the Attorney-General.
Her appointment came into effect yesterday and is for a period of three years.
FICAC says Malimali is the first female Commissioner to take up the post after the position was left vacant upon the resignation of its former Commissioner Rashmi Aslam back in September 2023.
Speaking on the events that transpired yesterday, Malimali says she would not let that events deter her from performing her duties as prescribed under the law.
She also held the position of the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Fiji and she wishes the ECF well and looks forward to her duties as the Commissioner of FICAC.
